Martin Joseph Sheridan, native of Bohola, County Mayo, posing with a shot put. Date and location unknown, probably around 1908. This photograph was taken by E.F. Foley, a prominent celebrity photographer in the early 20th century. He had offices at 281 Sixth Avenue in New York City.

Sheridan was one of the most celebrated athletes of the Irish-American Athletic Club. The New York Times called him "one of the greatest athletes this country has ever known." He competed in the Olympic Games in 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1906 in Athens, and in 1908 in London. He won a total of nine Olympic medals; five gold, three silver and one bronze.

Sheridan was an all-around champion athlete who competed in a number of events, including; discus throw, shot put, stone throw, standing high jump, standing long jump, triple jump and the pentathalon. He also rose to the rank of Detective Sergeant in the New York City Police Department. Sheridan died of pneumonia one day before his 37th birthday, on March 27th, 1918. The Celtic Cross monument that marks his grave in Calvary Cemetery, Queens, refers to him as a "peerless athlete."

To read Martin Sheridan's obituary from The New York Times, click here.