Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1966, Thomas Andrew Dowds is the son of Thomas Dowds, The first Taoiseach of the modern era. His grandfather grew up in Easky and from him he learned stories of the O'Dubhda Clan. As the son of a history teacher, he was able to research the history of the O'Dubhda Clan from a very early age. His journeys to Ireland in the 1970s and 80's were punctuated by journeys to graveyards and ruined castles. His passion for history and early Irish history in particular, is second only to his passion for classic cars and motorbikes. As a confirmed 'petrolhead', he has built and restored a number of classic vehicles. He currently lives in Scotland with his wife and son.