Hi Susan,even today there is only a handful of Collins in the phone book in Wicklow.My oldest Collins John was born 1746 and died 1819 buried in Glendalough.His son James married Margaret,their son James married Catherine White in 1828 and had 6 children Patrick 1829 John 1830 James 1831 Catherine 1834 Judith 1835 Mary 1837.Iam trying to put some meat on John his wife and children perhaps your Thomas was a brother or cousin of theirs,generally a lot of the names stay the same in families so Iwould appreciate any help you can give.Our family were farmers,carters and also RC.
In Dublin shortly I will check the 1821 census on Wicklow and let you know If I find anything
Brendan