John Fallon Colohan
John Fallon Sidney Colohan (1864 – 27 August 1932) was an Irish physician who in 1901 became Ireland's first motorist.[1]
Colohan was born in Northside, Dublin in 1864,[2] a son of J. Skerrett Colohan and Maria Sidney. He was a Roman Catholic.[3] His father was the Manager of the Hibernian Bank in Dublin, and his mother was a cousin of the Lamberts of Castle Ellen House, Athenry. He was a relative of the songwriter Arthur Colahan.[1]
He studied medicine at Edinburgh Medical School, qualifying as a physician and surgeon in 1892. He practised in London, Long Ditton, Dublin, and Athenry.[1]
In 1901, upon the enacting of the Light Locomotives Bill, Colohan placed an order for a car, thereby laying claim to be the first ever Irish motorist and the owner of the largest and most powerful car in the country in 1901: a four-cylinder 25 h.p. Daimler of the kind most favored by royalty.
After 1922, he lived in Marlowe on Thames, where he became known as an eccentric, and indulged in alcohol to the extent that it shortened his life.[1]
In 1932, Colohan died at his home, Dean Cottage, in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, aged 70.[4] He left the majority of his estate, £15,171 (equivalent to £1,120,000 in 2021), to his valet of 13 years, whom Colohan described as like a son to him.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Ó Cearbhaill, Diarmuid (2002). "The Colahans - A Remarkable Galway Family". Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society. 54: 121–140.
- ^ Ireland, Civil Registration Births Index, 1864–1958
- ^ Ireland, Census, 1901
- ^ Scotland, National Probate Index (Calendar of Confirmations and Inventories), 1876–1936
- ^ "Valet Who Was like a Son – A Testator's Gratefulness". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 1 November 1932. p. 1. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
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