Today is the 100th Anniversary of Johnny winning the Championship.
Happy Anniversary Johnny!

On February 22, 1912, Johnny became the World's Featherweight Champion by defeating Abe Attell.

Several groups in the Cleveland, Ohio area as well as groups in Ireland are planning activities to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Johnny winning the title.  This page will be updated as frequently as possible as the various activities and programs have more detail. Current plans include:

• Listen to Erin and Kevin talk about their great grandfather Johnny on Gerry Quinn's Irish Radio AM 1420 Sunday morning February 12, 2012 from 10am to noon. Check out the archives at www.quinnirishradio.com for a recap.

• A documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Johnny Kilbane. The working title of the project is a Fighting Heart. The documentary is being produced by Des Kilbane of Galway, Ireland with an anticipated completion date of late 2012 or early 2013

• Congressional record honoring Johnny was presented to Johnny's great grandchildren by U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich Friday night February 17, 2012 at the West Side Irish American Club. The program included a talk by Jim Carney Jr., and bagpipes played wonderfully by Mike Crawley.  For a picture of the Congressional Record, check the pictures and memorabilia page.

• Premier of the original Kilbane fight film to be held at an event sponsored by the Cleveland Public Library on the evening of March 15, 2012 in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. This event also kicks off the opening of an exhibit featuring Johnny that will travel to libraries throughout the Cleveland region.

• Unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the Gordon Sqaure district designating the house Johnny lived in when he returned to Cleveland after winning the title in 1912 as a historic landmark. A reception follows as Stone Mad. Event date is scheduled for March 16, 2012 in Cleveland.

• Weekend of activities to celebrate Johnny's Irish heritage June 7-10 in and around Achill, Ireland. Activities include unveiling of a statue or monument, boxing tournament and Kilbane family gathering.

• In honor of her great-grandfather's extensive public service, Erin O'Toole has decided to follow in the footsteps of Johnny Kilbane and seek election as a Judge for the Cuyahoga Court of Appeals in the March 6th democratic primary.  Please vote for Erin!