Thomas Harrison b.21 June 1824 in Kilrush

[bigjon]

I have Thomas H. Harrison who turns up in Sydney, Australia in 1836.
On 9 August 1844 he enlisted in the British army ( 80th Regiment of Foot ) and served for 21 years reaching rank of Colour Sergant.
He gave his place of birth as Kilrush,Co. Clare, Ireland.
   Can anyone help with background on his family in Ireland or explain what he was doing in Australia in 1836.
   We know that in 1836 a convict ship called " The Thomas Harrison " with a master called Thomas Harrison sailed from Cork with a cargo of female convicts.
   Was my Thomas Harrison on this ship with his mother?
   Was his name really Thomas Harrison or did he assume this name?
   Family rumour has it that he came from a family of Catholic priests but we know his descendants grew up as strong Methodists.
   

Thomas was awarded 167 acres of land in Tasmania and died there in 1903

bigjon