2025 marks the centenary of the ordination of one of Ireland’s greatest humanitarian heroes, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and in Kerry this important milestone is being marked with a special exhibition to open next month at Killarney library.
The Kerry-born priest was ordained in Rome on December 20, 1925, and went on to hold a senior position in the Vatican.
When World War II engulfed Italy, he used his unique position within the neutral walls of the Vatican City to establish and lead a secret, ad-hoc organisation known as the ‘Rome Escape Line’.
Monsignor O’Flaherty and his colleagues were instrumental in saving an estimated 6,500 lives, including Allied escaped prisoners-of-war and Jewish refugees.
His work has long being remembered by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society and next month they are running a month-long exhibition on the life story of Hugh O’Flaherty, running from December 15 to January 17, 2026.
Chairperson Jerry O’Grady said the exhibition will include memorabilia of his life and will help the public and specifically learn about this priest who lived in Kerry and helped save so many lives.
The opening night on December 16 will screen footage from World War 2.
Earlier commemorative events included successful group tour to Rome by the society where they again learned more about Monsignor and heard more about his heroic actions and his life.
Jerry O’Grady also represented the society and Kerry at the launch of commemorative stamp to mark the centenary of the ordination of one of Ireland’s greatest humanitarian heroes, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty
Minister for Special Education and Inclusion and Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Michael Moynihan, was on hand for the launch of a ‘W’ rate stamp suitable for worldwide mailing.
The stamp honours the remarkable life and legacy of the Kerry-born priest, famously known as the “Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican” for his work during World War II.
Minister Moynihan commented, “The decision by An Post to issue this commemorative stamp is a very welcome acknowledgment of Monsignor O’Flaherty’s selfless bravery and humanitarian service. Hugh O’Flaherty is an inspirational role model whose legacy of courage and compassion has the same relevance today as it had 70 years ago.”
Mr O’Grady also welcomed the stamp saying it is a fitting tribute to him.
The Irish History podcast has also released a special show to the Kerry humanitarian hero which was recorded in Killarney which includes an interview with his grandniece Catherine O’Flaherty and with Jerry O’Grady.
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