Description
Author John O’Brien, Jr.’s new book, First Generation, was launched at the Irish Books, Art & Music Showcase 2011 in Chicago. First Generation is all original poetry by O’Brien, focused on his experiences growing up in the Irish-American community, music, work, his twenty-five year struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis and a ten-year battle with a broken back. Despite the struggles, he has continued to have an impact on the local and national community, and was named one of the 2011 Top 100 Irish Americans by Irish America Magazine.
O’Brien is the Co-Founder/Co-Publisher and Editor of the Ohio Irish American News, a monthly cultural newsmagazine that celebrated its 5th Anniversary in January. His poem, The Vacant Chair, about a man who loses his soul mate and wife to cancer, took 1st Prize at the Irish Books, Art & Music Showcase 2010. This is O’Brien’s second book, following Festival Legends: Songs & Stories, a biographical look at pivotal Irish music legends who influenced rock, county, folk, Irish, bluegrass and blues music in America and around the world.
O’Brien grew up in and continues to live in the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland. He is Public Information Officer (Spokesman) for the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and a Founder and Assistant Director of Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival, which will celebrate its 30th Anniversary July 20-22, 2012.
