Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty
1898 - 1963
In the grounds of the O'Connell Memorial Church lies the grave of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty.
In Rome during World War II, he bravely organised an elaborate escape network for Allied POW's and civilians. When the l[A]lies entered Rome in 1944, he and his colleagues had saved over 6,500 lives.
His act earned him the nickname "Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican".
Hugh O'Flaherty, a Kerryman, was awarded the highest honours, including a Commander of the British Empire, the Congressional Medal of Freedom and was the first Irishman named Notary of the Holy Office.
In 1918 he enrolled at Mungret College, Co. Limerick, preparing for a missionary priesthood, was then posted to Rome to finish his studies and ordained in 1925. He stayed to work for the Holy See, serving as a Vatican diplomat in Egypt, Haiti, Santo Domingo and Czechoslovakia. In 1934 he was appointed Monsignor.
During the early years of the war, he toured POW camps in Italy, later helping prisoners from recapture after the Italian occupation. At great risk, he and his diverse colleagues concealed refugees, escapees, Allied soldiers and Jews, in flats, farms & convents, even a hideout beside the SS headquarters.
In 1960 he retired to Cahersiveen, staying with his sister for the last three years of his life.
Charcoal sketch of the Monsignor commissioned while he was in Rome.
Erected by Daniel
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.
Location. 51° 56.816′ N, 10° 13.534′ W. Marker is in Cahersiveen, Munster, in County Kerry. It is on O'Connell Street just north of Church Street/Ring of Kerry (National Route N70), on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the west grounds of Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cahersiveen, Munster V23 EH59, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: O'Connell Memorial Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Presentation Convent (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); War Memorial (about
Also see . . .
1. Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty Bio. (Submitted on November 8, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Hugh OFlaherty (1898 - 1963) Bio. (Submitted on November 8, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. Cahersiveen Parish, Diocese of Kerry. (Submitted on November 8, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 942 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 8, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
