| Abstract: | John P. Kilroy, of Cleveland, Ohio, is of Irish descent. Three of his grandparents immigrated to the United States from counties Mayo, Carlow and Westmeath during the early twentieth century. They came to the United States in search of a better life, and to escape from the economic and political turmoiil present in Ireland at that time. Kilroy went to law school and represented the Padraig Pearce Center of the Irish American Club East Side, Inc. during its establishment. He was also active in the Cleveland Irish Players, a theatre group that was founded by Kevin McGinty and produces Irish plays by Irish playwrights. He was a regular contributor to the Ohio Irish Bulletin and other newsletters. Kilroy's interests also extend to Gaelic athletics and Irish current affairs, including the troubles in Northern Ireland. The collection consists of an application form, brochure, correspondence, essays, handwritten, notes, an invitation, a leaflet, a press release, newsletters, newspaper clippings, Padraic Pearce Center, Inc. organizational documents, a petition, plays, programs and a sports schedule. | |