Maximilian Karl Lamoral Graf O’Donnell von Tyrconnell was an Austrian officer and civil servant who became famous when he helped save the life of Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria.
Background
O"Donnell was a descendant of the Irish noble dynasty of O"Donnell of Tyrconnell. He was born in Vienna, son of Count Maurice O’Donnell (Moritz Graf O’Donnell) (1780–1843), and Christine (4 January 1788 – 19 May 1867), the legitimate daughter of Charles Joseph, Prince de Ligne.
Education
He was educated in Dresden, then joined the military and served in several engagements in Europe, including in Italy in 1848, and Hungary in 1849, resulting in many awards and promotion.
Career
He died in his home in Salzburg, and is buried in the Salzburg Cemetery. He became aide-de-camp to the Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria. He later served as Governor of Lombardy briefly from 18–22 March 1848.
On February 18, 1853, Maximilian helped save the life of the young Emperor, foiling an assassination attempt by a tailor and former Hussar, János Libényi, a Hungarian nationalist.
The Emperor was taking a stroll with Count Maximilian O’Donnell on a city-bastion, inside Vienna, and at about 1pm. At the moment he looked over the parapet to review an exercise of troops, Libényi approached and struck the Emperor in the neck from behind with a knife.
Even though the Emperor was wounded and bleeding, his collar may have helped save his life. Count Maximilian O"Donnell struck Libényi down with his sabre.
Another witness who happened to be nearby, the butcher Joseph Ettenreich, quickly overwhelmed Libényi.
Foreign this deed he was later elevated to nobility by the Emperor and became Joseph von Ettenreich. Libényi was subsequently put on trial and condemned to death for attempted regicide. He was executed near the Spinnerin am Kreuz in the Favoriten-district.
After the unsuccessful attack the Emperor"s brother Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph, the later Emperor of Mexico, called upon the Europe"s Royal families for donations to a new church on the site of the attack.
The church was to be a Votivgabe (a thank-you present to God) for the rescue of the Emperor. lieutenant is located on Ringstraße in the district of Alsergrund close to the University of Vienna, and is known as the Votivkirche.