First World War recruitment poster features Cork hero

Auction recalls the Victoria Cross awarded to an Inchigeelagh soldier, writes Des O'Sullivan

A World War One recruitment poster featuring Michael O'Leary VC at O'Donovan's sale.

A First World War British Army recruitment poster featuring Inchigeelagh-born Victoria Cross recipient Michael O'Leary comes up as lot 18 at O'Donovan's online auction in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, on  Wednesday (April 3). 

He was awarded Britain's most prestigious award for gallantry for single-handedly charging and destroying two German barricades defended by machine gun positions at Cuinchy in France in 1915.

Subsequently feted in London and Macroom he was, in the autumn of 1915, jeered by Ulster Volunteers during a recruitment drive in Ballaghaderreen. This caused such a scandal that it was raised in the Houses of Parliament. O'Leary, who died in London in 1961, served in France in the same regiment as British actor Stanley Holloway and the two, both born in 1890, remained lifelong friends. 

Holloway often stayed at the Mayfair Hotel where O'Leary was concierge. The recruitment poster is estimated at €150-€250. The contents of two pubs in Cork and Limerick will be offered by O'Donovan's.