briefly commanded the 3rd South Dublin Brigade in Blessington. Jack Boothman (1935-2016), 31st president of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) between 1994 and 1997. Elizabeth Grant (1797-1885), Scottish diarist and lady of the manor of Baltyboys House. Josh Gray (born 1997), former member of disbanded six-piece Irish boy band HomeTown (2014–2016) managed by Louis Walsh. John Lackey, Irish road racing cyclist, cycle sport administrator and Tour of Ireland race director. Frank McCann, Blessington publican convicted of the murder of his wife Esther McCann (née Leonard), and eighteen-month-old foster-daughter Jessica McCann in September 1992. Lorenzo Moore (1808-1894), noted Anglican clergyman in New Zealand, who was born in Blessington. Kevin McClory (1924-2006), Irish screenwriter, film producer, and film director best known for producing the James Bond film Thunderball. Dr. Patrick Purcell, owner of car which was linked to the killing of Lizzie O'Neill in June 1925. Louise Quinn (born 1990), Republic of Ireland women's national football team player. Isaac Sharp (1681-1735), early New Jersey settler, politician, judge and Colonel of the militia who settled in Salem County, New Jersey and originally named the area Blessingtown after Blessington in County Wicklow. Dame Ninette de Valois (née Edris Stannus) (1898-2001), Irish-born British dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director of classical ballet who spent her childhood at Baltiboys near Blessington. Brian Warfield (born 1946), vocalist, banjo, harp and bodhrán player and lead songwriter with Irish band The Wolfe Tones. See also KnockanStockan List of towns and villages in Ireland Market Houses in Ireland Seefin Passage Tomb Threecastles Castle References Further reading The Four Stone Tree: a history of Blessington by Vincent Byrne (self-published, 2003) The Blessington Estate 1667-1908 by Kathy Trant (Anvil Books, 2004) External links Blessington & District Forum Website Blessington Parish Website Towns and villages in County Wicklow Planned communities in the Republic of Ireland