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John "Johnny" Patrick Kilbane (April 9, 1889 – May 31, 1957) was a featherweight boxer who held the world featherweight title from 1912 to 1923, the longest period in the division's history. He was the second longest world title holder in boxing history, behind only Joe Louis.
Kilbane was born to John and Mary (Gallagher) Kilbane in Cleveland, Ohio on April 9th, 1889. His mother died when he was 3 years old and his father went blind when he was 6. He attended school until the sixth grade when he dropped out to help support his family.
A crowd of almost 100 family and friends gathered at Kilbane's former house at 7413 Herman on Cleveland's West Side for a special ceremony in 2012. A crowd of more than double that size congregated at Battery Park in Cleveland for the unveiling of a statue of Johnny Kilbane by world-class sculptor Rowan Gillespie.
There was a large crowd of local Irish-Americans as well as visitors from other states, Canada and Ireland who were on hand for the 2014 World Convention of Mayo Societies which was held in Cleveland. As people gathered at Battery Park, Gerry Quinn entertained with music and noteworthy guests on Gerry's radio show from 10-noon.
 Gerry Quinn Tom Corrigan
Irish American Club East Side Pipe Major Bruce Grieg began the ceremony as he marched in playing A Nation Once Again, God Bless America and other songs on the bagpipes.
James Kilbane from County Mayo in Ireland sang and played guitar for the Irish National Anthem and then the Star Spangled Banner.
 James Kilbane
Father Jim O'Donnell told of the life of boxing champion Johnny Kilbane and the lessons we can learn from it. Father Jim later blessed the statue. Father Jim O'Donnell  Tom CorriganTom Corrigan then recognized some of the major supporters of the statue of boxing champion Johnny Kilbane at Cleveland's Battery Park.
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 Matt Zone
Then Cleveland City Councilmen Matt Zone and Martin Sweeney and Council President Kevin Kelley presented a proclamation to Irish American Archives Society Executive Director Margaret Lynch for her work to get the statue of boxing champion Johnny Kilbane at Cleveland's Battery Park. 
Matt Zone, Martin Sweeney,
Margaret Lynch and Kevin Kelley
Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley then presented a proclamation to Johnny Kilbane statue sculptor Rowan Gillespie and sculptor Rowan Gillespie gave a few remarks. 
Sculptor Rowan Gillespie receiving proclamation
Sculptor Rowan Gillespie and City Council members
 Sculptor Rowan Gillespie Irish American Archives Society
Executive Director Margaret Lynch
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Kevin O'Toole is the Great Grandson of Johnny Kilbane. He was the one who found some 1912 film footage of Johnny Kilbane in his grandmother's attic. His efforts to get the film restored led to the Johnny Kilbane project. He spoke and represented his family at the ceremony.
 Kevin O'TooleKevin O'Toole, great grandson of Johnny Kilbane, and other members of the O'Toole family then unveiled the new statue and Father Jim O'Donnell then blessed it.
Members of the O'Toole family, descendants of boxer Johnny Kilbane, were the first to pose with the new statue of their ancestor that was unveiled in Cleveland's Battery Park. Video and more photos of the unveiling of the Johnny Kilbane statue in Battery Park
Video and more photos of the unveiling of the Johnny Kilbane statue in Battery Park
Photos of the Johnny Kilbane Statue
Photos of the people at the event and posing with Johnny Kilbane
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