While Seán Óg Ó Tuama was the first to publish the music of 'Gabhaim Molta Brighde' (and it is likely that he composed the tune), the words were written in 1902, in London, England, by Tomás Ó Flannghaile. Known in English as Thomas Flannery, he was born in Ballinrobe, County Mayo, in 1846. At the age of seven, his family moved to England, where he spent the rest of his life, working mainly as an teacher of English. He was active from an early age in the Irish language literary revival; in 1879 he translated one of Walt Whitman's poems into Irish.

For those who read Irish, a biographical article about Tomás Ó Flannghaile is available on the excellent ainm.ie website:

http://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=73