Rathdowney

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There is also a Rathdowney in Queensland, Australia named after the Irish town.

Rathdowney (Ráth Domhnaigh in Irish, meaning "Daghda's fort") is a town in southwest County Laois, Republic of Ireland, located south of Portlaoise in the midlands of Ireland. Rathdowney is located where the R433 and R435 meet with some minor roads. The town's names arises from a ring fort, or rath, which was near the town until it was levelled in 1830. Brewing was a major industry in Rathdowney until 1966. Victoria Cross recipient James Pearson was from Rathdowney.John Moyney (8 January 1895- 10 November 1980) was born in Rathdowney, County Laois, Republic of Ireland and was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 22 years old, and a Lance-Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12/13 September 1917 north of Broembeek, Belgium, Lance-Sergeant Moyney was in command of 15 men forming two advanced posts. Surrounded by the enemy he held his post for 96 hours, having no water and very little food. On the fifth day, on the enemy advancing to dislodge him, he attacked them with bombs, while also using his Lewis gun with great effect. Finding himself surrounded, he led his men in a charge through the enemy and reached a stream, where he and a private (Thomas Woodcock) covered his party while they crossed unscathed, before crossing themselves under a shower of bullets.

[edit] Further information He later achieved the rank of sergeant. He died Roscrea, County Tipperary, 10 November 1980.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Irish Guards RHQ) (London, England).

[edit] References Listed in order of publication year

The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997) The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986) Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995) Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999) Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

[edit] External links Location of grave and VC medal (County Tipperary, Ireland) This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Moyney" Categories: 1895 births | 1980 deaths | British Army soldiers | Irish World War I Victoria Cross recipients | Irish Guards

It is also home to the Rathdowney Designer Outlet Shopping Centre.