 He was known as Shane Rua due to his striking head of red hair.In 1784, he married Grace Cuffe, daughter of Thomas Cuffe, however, they had no children.He succeeded as 2nd Earl of Farnham, 2nd Viscount Farnham and 4th Baron Farnham on the 7 October 1800, also inheriting the Farnham estate in Cavan.