About the Author

Tom Higgins (b. 6^th February 1948) was educated at St. Michael’s National School, Longford, Cistercian College, Roscrea, and Terenure College, Dublin. He qualified as a civil engineer at University College, Galway where he also received his master’s degree in the field of water pollution control. He now lectures at the Institute of Technology, Sligo.  He is a Fellow of The Institution of Engineers of Ireland and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.

His initial interest in tennis, at the age of about 8, was at the nearby County Longford Lawn Tennis Club where his father, sister and six brothers also played. He was later a member of Glasnevin LTC, a founding member of both Ashbourne TC and Sligo TC, and honorary life president of the latter.

He has been involved in several sports as a player, administrator and coach. Apart from tennis, his particular sporting interests are rugby, athletics, badminton and golf.  He is a former president of both Ashbourne Rugby Football Club and of the Connacht Branch of the Badminton Union of Ireland.  
His other interests include travel, photography, chess, family history,art and philately.

Tom met his wife Ursula (Broderick) at a tennis tournament in Longford. They now have three grown up daughters who have all played tennis and badminton.

He has written many articles on engineering and sport over the years. This is his first book and has taken over seven years of research and writing to bring to a conclusion.