During the Battle of the Somme in World War One, Thomas Hughes, a resident of Coravoo, outside Castleblayney, was shot.

But even with his wounds from the attack at Guillemont in France, the young private was still able to preserve his company's lives.

By himself, Mr. Hughes took control of an enemy machine gun post, killing two gunners and capturing four others. On June 2, 1917, King George V bestowed upon him the Victoria Cross, one of the highest decorations in the British military, in recognition of his valour.

One of the rarest military awards in the world has finally arrived home, more than a century later.

The Victoria Cross, which is now on loan from the National Army Museum in London, is on public exhibition for the first time at the Monaghan County Museum.