THE outstanding group of six medals including a Victoria Cross awarded to Nenagh born Patrick Donohoe has just sold for a hammer price of £220,000 at Dix Noonan Webb in London. They were all awarded for service during the Indian Mutiny, known as the First War of Independence in India. Patrick Donohoe was among a select group, unique to his unit, to be present at all three major military episodes of the campaign, the Siege of Delhi, the Relief of Lucknow and the final capture of Lucknow. He was presented with his VC by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in January 1860. After 25 years of service Patrick Donohoe was discharged with chronic bronchitis from the British Army in Dublin in 1864. He died in Ashbourne, Co. Meath in 1876 and is buried in Donoughmore, Co. Cork.
Following the sale, Christopher Mellor-Hill, Head of Client Liaison Dix Noonan Webb commented: “We are pleased with another great price today further reflecting the glory of the Victoria Cross and also a reflection on the notable Irish contribution in our military history as well as the growing interest in medal collecting generally with no less than six bidders participating in the auction. Donohoe’s V.C. group was bought by a private collector.”
(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for January 15, 2022)
