Thomas H. Magill

The author was born in the village of Shrigley, Co. Down, N. Ireland. At the age of 16, he left his native province, never to return. An Airforce career ended in 1970, the transition to civilian life proving difficult, a period in his life which the author describes as “the wilderness years”.

His final contribution to the well-being of the nation’s economy was managing a centre for the unemployed in his local area. This was by far his most rewarding occupation, the experience made him a more tolerant person, and he now knew what it was really like to be one of the unwanted members of this modern society.

In retirement, he pursued, with renewed enthusiasm, his life-long interest: the history of the thoroughbred racehorse.