ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Francis O’Brien, Jr. is an author, writer, poet, publisher and spokesman.  Named as one of Irish America Magazine’s 2011 Top 100 Irish Americans, he is Co-Founder, Co-Publisher and Editor of the Ohio Irish American News, which premiered in January 2007. His poem, The Vacant Chair, took 1st Prize in the Irish Book, Art & Music Showcase 2010.

John is a founder and currently serves as Assistant Director of Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival; the 30th Annual event will be held July 20 - 22, 2012. A first generation Irish-American whose father is Founder and Director of the festival and hails from County Roscommon, Ireland; John continues his father’s legacy, love of the Irish heritage and vision for the festival. With nine stages, twenty-eight bands, an extensive and nationally recognized cultural hall and numerous other attractions, the festival is recognized as one of the very best in the United States.        

John’s love for the rich and varied Irish heritage and dedication to producing an authentic cultural event has earned the respect and trust of the performers featured in much of John’s writing, especially in his book, Festival Legends: Songs & Stories, the People Who Made the Music That Defined a People, and an unmatched access to the performers and their stories.

Active in the Irish community in Cleveland and with the Festival Organizers Convention, where John has been a featured speaker, he has been interviewed on over 100 radio and television programs and in print media. John developed and produced the Fine Irish Pubs of Greater Cleveland poster, which premiered in December 2010 and the Greater Cleveland Irish Directory, which premiered in 2011 and is updated bi-annually.

John developed, wrote and produced, The Legacy Project, a twenty-six minute video for the United States Library of Congress highlighting Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival as “an event of cultural significance at the turn of the century.” The production featured dozens of interviews with festival organizers, performers and volunteers.

During his “spare time”, John is the full time Public Information Officer (Spokesperson) for the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.  He serves on the board of the Irish American Charitable Foundation and the Sean Moore Irish Vocals Memorial Scholarship Fund as well as the Irish American Hall of Fame Selection Board.  He also served for five years on the board of the Irish American Archives Society.

John is a graduate of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School and the University of Dayton, where he majored in Business Management and Communications.