[2] He was a native of County Kilkenny and lived for much of his life in Callan.
[1] He had a low opinion of the people of his native county, remarking that Kilkenny would never lack for thieves even if two hundred of them were hanged there every year.
[1] He entered Grays Inn in 1556, was called to the Bar, and returned to Ireland to practice.
[3] Having been spoken of for years as being qualified for the highest judicial offices, he was appointed a justice of the Court of King's Bench (Ireland) in 1583.
[4] In 1584, he was recommended as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, but died the same year.