The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
New book features Killarney’s heroic son for younger readers
YOUNG readers can now immerse themselves in the story of a Killarney icon, following the publication of ‘Leo’s War’, based on the story of the heroic Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty.
‘Leo’s War’ is written by best-selling author Patricia Murphy and published by Poolbeg. It tells the Monsignor’s story through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy. In 1943, young Leo turns to Monsignor O’Flaherty, organiser of the Rome Escape Line, as he tries to protect his sister, Ruby, who has a disability and is sure to be targeted by the Nazis.
During World War Two, the Monsignor saved more than 6,500 lives in Nazi-occupied Rome.
Three of Ms Murphy’s nephews attended ‘the Mon’ in Killarney, and she took up the challenge of Principal Colm Ó Súilleabháin after he suggested such a book upon her visit to the school some years ago.
“The more I learned about Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, the more I admired him,” Ms Murphy said. “He is a role model for our time – courageous, ingenious and ecumenical. Time after time, he put his own life on the line for British, American and Russian prisoners of war, Italian partisans, and persecuted Jews.”
Ms Murphy also hopes to see Pope Francis acknowledge the Monsignor’s greatness when he visits these shores.
“His compassion reached across borders and divisions. I am not an expert in these matters, but as he visits our shores, it would be great if the Pope could pay tribute to this remarkable Irishman in some way.”
The book’s release has been warmly received by Jerry O’Grady of the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society.
“We are absolutely delighted to see the publication of this book aimed at the younger reader,” he said.
“When Patricia visited the school a couple of years ago to talk to the sixth class, Principal Colm suggested she might next take on the challenge of writing about their ‘Mon Hero’ – Hugh O’Flaherty.
“Patricia quietly took up Colm’s challenge, culminating in the publication of this exciting new novel for nine-to-12year-olds.” Further information is available at www.patriciamurphyonline.com.