The Scarlet Pimpernel of The Vatican

His clever disguises and evasion of the Fascists that sought him during the Second World War, earned an Irishman the moniker 'The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican'.

If you have been to Killarney in Kerry since 2013, you may be familiar with the memorial statue of a striding clergyman, his hat in one hand and his book in another. A local legend and a hero to many around the world, The Killarney Brewing Company has named a beer for him, and a giant mural adorns the main shopping street in the town.

But who was this man, and what lasting effect did his work have on the world?

The play God Has No Country by the Dublin-based, Killarney actor Donal Courtney has the answers.

This one man show tells the story of the struggles encountered by Kerryman Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty and his colleagues in Rome during the Second World War. The story follows O’Flaherty’s torment as he has to decide to act in defence of those suffering under the tyranny of the Fascists.

The play also reflects on his upbringing and education in Killarney and how joining the priesthood protecting him from involvement in The War of Independence. Told with humour and sensitivity, God Has No Country aims to bring the heroic deeds and achievements of this extraordinary man to a wider audience.

God Has No Country has been staged in a variety of venues across Ireland and abroad, and is published as a dramatic text for the English Curriculum book Spirals published by EdCo. Since the first performance in 2013, the play has being staged over 100 times, playing to 15000 people throughout Ireland, Italy, Malta, Singapore and the USA.

Monsignor O’Flaherty’s story is especially pertinent during the current turbulent, political environment. As fascism is unfortunately on the rise once more, this play is a must see for this generation.

God Has No Country will be performed in The Moat Theatre, Naas on Friday 1st November at 8pm. Tickets €15/€12, available from moattheatre.com and 045 883030.

(Information source: The Moat Theatre.)

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