Martin O'Meara VC, an Irish & Australian hero - a podcast by Dr James Hoctor & Sheila Hoctor

Martin O’Meara was an Irish man, an adopted Australian and hero of the First World War. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross Medal, the highest honour awarded for gallantry in the face of an enemy that a British & Commonwealth soldier can receive.

In this episode Sheila speaks to two of Martin’s closest living relatives, Bill O’Hara, and Noreen O’Meara. We learn about Martin and the circumstances which led to him receiving the Victoria Cross Medal. Noreen and Bill tell Sheila about Martins’ visits to Ireland in both 1916 & 1917 and the frosty reception that he received during the latter visit. Our guests then discuss Martin’s breakdown in 1918 which resulted in him being committed to an Australian mental hospital, a situation which only exacerbated his condition. In the final part, Noreen and Bill talk about the efforts which have led to Martin being finally recognised in Ireland for the hero he was, and about the wisdom that we can take from his incredible story.

See more at: https://www.thehutnearthebog.com/

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