Vere Thomas "St. Leger" Goold was born 2 October 1853 in Clonmel, County Tipperary.  He rose to become the first Irish Tennis champion at the age of 25, but his stardom was fleeting and he descended into an alcohol-filled lifestyle.

He met the most charming Miss Marie Giraudin in a dressmakers shop in London.  He fell for her wiles and they…