Thanks for all the relies, been away for a few days so not been able to reply any earlier.
Starting in order with bevj, yes, I had seen that but without further information I've been unable to confirm. Also, if he (Tom) was involved with the British Army, either in India or South Africa then it would seem unlikely that he was still in Knock.
My father had his service medals but a cousin borrowed them and we never got them back. He has since removed himself to New Zealand and all attempts at communication have to date failed. His army records would probably have helped me.
jonwarrn, yes, that's the right one. I ordered the certificate but not much help there, his father is J Kennedy, farm worker...
Neale1961, true: but, the image of the 1921 census shows his age at that time as 37 (57?) years and 10 months, so yes that would put it as 1883. He's also recorded as being a "boarder" so there's obviously something going on...
His grave records his birth as 14/08/1884 though - Hawarden Cemetery No1 ref C2 47 from the grave stone and, as you said, so does the 1939 register.
There are a couple of other people doing research for their own trees, which cross over with Tom Kennedy. They keep coming up with Dublin and other places which I am forever having to ignore.
However, I am making progress in other areas so it's not all bad and I did want to thank you all for taking the time and trouble that you did to try to help.
Many thanks people.