Mick Leahy (explorer)

Michael "Mick" James Leahy MBE (26 February 1901 - 7 March 1979) was an Australian explorer and colonialist, famed for his discovery of the Highlands area of Papua New Guinea. He photographed, filmed and published many of his explorations widely.

Biography

Early life

Leahy was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, the fourth of nine children of Irish migrants Daniel Leahy, a railway guard, and his wife Ellen, née Stone. After an education at the Christian Brothers' College in Toowoomba, Leahy initially worked as a railway clerk before leaving to become a freelance timber cutter. He abandoned this in 1926 upon hearing about the Edie Creek gold strike in New Guinea. He was soon followed to New Guinea by his brothers Paddy, Jim and Danny, while another brother, Tom, remained in Toowoomba.

After suffering from an almost fatal bout of malaria upon trying to reach the gold fields, Leahy instead took a construction and labour management job.

Explorer

Mick Leahy with Mick Dwyer walked across New Guinea in 1930 and disproved the prevailing opinion that the interior of the island was unpopulated.

Dan Leahy (baseball)

Daniel C. Leahy (August 8, 1870 – December 30, 1903) was a shortstop in Major League Baseball. He played two games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1896.

Leahy was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He started his professional baseball career in 1894, with the Lynchburg Hill Climbers of the Virginia League. In 1895, he hit .309 and was acquired by the Phillies. He played in a doubleheader on September 2, going 2 for 6 at the plate.

Leahy played in the minor leagues until 1900. He died in 1903, at the age of 33.

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