Thomas Lally**

Thomas was likely born in Co. Longford, c.1870, and had at least two sisters Annie (Longford) and Kate (Cavan). He married Mary Ann Purdy, originally from Co Cavan, in June 1896, and they went on to have a number of children including, Christopher, John, Cornelius, Patrick, Kate and Mary Anne. 

Thomas served in the British Army off and on for many years, joining the 6th Rifle Brigade, a local militia and later serving with the 1st Connaught Rangers, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and Royal Garrison Artillery, spending time in the Reserves He first attested likely to the Connaught Rangers in 1887, and later to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in 1895, being discharged to the Reserves in 1900, before rejoining with the Royal Garrison Regiment in July 1901, with whom he was stationed in Malta between Jul 1889 and Feb 1892 and Sept 1901 and Aug 1903 before being discharged again in 1903. Thomas served in the 2nd Boer War from Nov 1899 and awarded the South Africa Campaign 1899-1900 medal with clasps for Transvaal, Relief of Ladysmith; Orange Free State and Cape Colony. 

During his times in the Reserves, Thomas worked as a labourer and bill-poster.

Thomas was called up for WW1 service in August 1914, joining with the Connaught Rangers, but was discharged in June 1916 due to health reasons. After discharge Thomas's health appears to have declined, and he had pulmonary tubercolosis for a year prior to his death in the Workhouse Infirmary 

link to Civil Record of Death (please ensure web address ends in .pdf); Fold 3 1901 short service attestment (paid subscription site); Fold 3 1914 short service attestment and possible first attestment in 1887 (paid subscription site); link to Civil Record of Marriage;