Mahon, Thomas

Born deaf at Baltinglass and entered St. Joseph's School for Deaf Boys at Cabra in 1871. 1877-1882, he worked as a gardener and kitchen servant in the school while also attending a Dublin art school. Selected for a fund-raising tour of the U.S., where he impressed people with his artistic talents. Upon return to Ireland, he was employed as an educational assistant, eventually becoming a full-time teacher of junior boys in 1888 and remaining in that position over 45 years. During this time, he painted as many as 80 beautiful illustrated educational charts consisting 6000 illustrations in brilliant colors. Died after a brief illness and buried in St. Joseph's cemetary. His charts are still exhibited today, now in a museum at St. Joseph's.