Michael Finigan arrived in England during the potato famine of the 1840s. He desperately needed money so he started an import business in the London docks. When Michael retired, he sold the company to a larger organisation. Michael's eldest son and John's father, also called Michael, was the foreman of this company. One of Michael's jobs was to choose the daily work force. Michael would choose his drinking mates and anybody that looked fit enough. Michael the third, the eldest of the next Finigan generation, was John Finigan's brother. He passed the eleven-plus and went to grammar school, but could not complete school, as the family needed him to earn a living. Michael's son, the fourth Michael, is now in charge of the Christmas presentation and to this day takes this important family role with the good humour that the job requires. This is the background to John Finigan's life. The Michaels represent the intelligence, good humour and determination of all Finigans.