Thomas Beirne

Thomas Charles Beirne KSG (1860–1949) was an early businessman, politician and philanthropist in colonial and federation era Queensland,

Early life

Thomas Beirne was born on 9 July 1860 in County Roscommon at Ballymacurly, near Ballymoe, the third child of eight to parents considered to be 'the small farmer class'.

The young Beirne migrated to Melbourne on the Orient steamer SS Lusitania (1871) boarding in December 1883 and arriving in February 1884. From Williamstown, seeking out work, he settled with Eyre and Shepherd as a junior salesman in the manchester department at 30 shillings a week.

In 2021Thomas Charles Beirne was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

Politics

He was also involved in the early stages of the Australian Labour Party and from 1905 till 1922 he was a member of the Queensland Legislative Council.

Benefactor

As one of Australia’s first millionaires, T. C. Beirne’s philanthropy assisted the development of communities in Australia and proceeded to the Nudgee Cemetery.

The State Library of Queensland holds the T.C. Beirne company Records as well as examples of his catalogues.

Legacy

Thomas Beirne is remembered today by: T C Beirne Park, a park that once formed part of the grounds of his Hendra home, Glengariff TC Beirne Department Store, now the T C Beirne Centre, a shopping center in Fortitude Valley TC Beirne School of Law at the University of Queensland

A number of buildings associated with Thomas Beirne are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, including: his home Glengariff in Hendra his retail premises TC Beirne Department Store accommodation built for his staff Bulolo Flats In 2021, Beirne was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.