He had a reputation as a very stern disciplinarian, but it was acknowledged that this was at a time when agitation and evictions had made the county very disturbed.
One of his most famous exploits was an attack on Hampstead House while the owner was entertaining a large group of fellow land-lords.
According to Martin Finnerty: ... in the midst of their carousing the house was attacked by ribbonmen under the command of Capt.
The occupants of the house returned the fire and the attackers were forced to retreat and some accounts reveal with the loss of one man.
Latter-day bearers of the name include politicians Michael F. Kitt, Snr (1914–1974) and Tony Kett (1951–2009).