Road named for war hero

A LARGELY forgotten hero who helped save upwards of 6,500 lives in Italy during World War II was honoured in Killarney at the weekend.

The deeds of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty were recalled and a road named after him, while Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue officiated at the posthumous presentation of the International Humanitarian Award.

Mr O’Donoghue described Msgr O’Flaherty as an “extraordinary man, motivated by human compassion and love for those who were desperate, needy and oppressed”.

Born near Kiskeam, Co Cork, Msgr O’Flaherty grew up in Killarney, where his father was steward of the local golf club, and studied for the priesthood in Rome, being ordained in 1925.

A skilled diplomat, he served the Vatican in Egypt, Haiti, San Domingo and Czechoslovakia before being recalled to Rome.

The instigator and driving force of a humanitarian organisation in Rome during the war, he often put his own life at risk, particularly when he moved outside the Vatican state.

After the war, Msgr O’Flaherty was awarded the highest honours six countries could bestow on him, including the CBE and the US Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm.

“When the war was over and Allied troops entered Rome, he then cared for the needs of the former enemy soldiers,” Mr O’Donoghue said. “In later life, when asked why he did this he said simply, ‘God has no country’.”

The weekend commemorations included the unveiling of a portrait of Msgr O’Flaherty and the opening of an exhibition of photographs and the Monsignor’s medals. Later, a new road in the town was officially dedicated The O’Flaherty Road.