Abbeyfeale, Monday – In the annals of wartime valour, countless acts of heroism go unsung, their details known only to those who witnessed them and the silent heroes who performed them. One such story, emerging from the battlefields of this harrowing war, is that of Surgeon-Captain Leahy, K.A.M.C., a distinguished son of West Limerick and native of Newcastle West. His tale is a testament to the courage and dedication that define the best of humanity in the midst of conflict.

After the fierce battle at Mons, Surgeon Leahy demonstrated exceptional bravery and a steadfast commitment to his duty. Despite the dangers posed by ongoing shellfire, he insisted on returning to a portion of the battlefield where his efforts to tend to the wounded had been previously thwarted. His determination to provide care under such perilous conditions highlights the profound sense of responsibility he felt towards those in his charge.

Tragically, while performing these noble duties, Surgeon Leahy himself became a victim of the very violence he sought to mitigate. Attacked by German forces, he was struck by three bullets: one to his wrist, another to his leg, and a third that grazed his side. The severity of his injuries caused him to fall from his horse, rendering him unconscious and vulnerable on the battlefield for several hours before being rescued the following day.

Despite the grave risks, Surgeon Leahy’s actions embody the highest ideals of medical and military service—placing the well-being of others above his own safety. His ordeal did not end on the battlefield; he is currently recuperating in a military hospital, bearing the physical scars of his sacrifice.

Notably, Surgeon Leahy is not only recognized for his valourous conduct in the field of combat but also for his prowess in another arena. Before the war, he was celebrated as one of the army’s finest middle-weight amateur boxers, a distinction that speaks to his remarkable physical and mental fortitude.

As stories of bravery like that of Surgeon-Captain Leahy come to light, they serve as powerful reminders of the individual acts of courage that collectively define our shared history of conflict. His story, one of countless others, underscores the complex tapestry of heroism, sacrifice, and humanity that characterizes the experience of war. Limerick, and indeed all of Ireland, can take pride in the bravery and service of one of their own, whose actions on the battlefield will remain a beacon of inspiration.

Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 31 October 1914