Having been nominated to the head-mastership of Bromsgrove in December 1842, that school, through his indomitable energy, grew to be one of the best educational establishments in England.
Eoghan Dubhdara Ó Máille was Gráinne's father, and his family was based in Clew Bay, County Mayo.
The O'Malleys were one of the few seafaring families on the west coast, and they built a row of castles facing the sea to keep an eye on their territory.
Miles, the second Viscount Mayo was created a Baronet in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia in c. 1638; Dr Collis also descends from the Earls of Ormonde.
There were no school fixtures then but one of his pupils recalled: ‘Our Head then was Dr Collis (much beloved), an old Rugbeian of Arnold’s time and an Irishman to boot.
We never played ‘foreign’ matches, saving one memorable occasion when an enthusiastic footballer and muscular curate begged us to meet his village team; a team consisting of the blacksmith and game keeper, big hulking players who knew as little of the science or rules of the game as they excelled in good humour, and in abundant weight and pluck.
What a game that was to be sure!’ He was nominated an honorary canon of Worcester Cathedral in 1854, and in 1856 was offered, but declined, the colonial bishopric of Grafton and Armidale.