Notable Irish in the Valley

IRISH IN THE MAHONING VALLEY

Prominent individuals

A sample of influential and notable Irish-Americans and their contributions:

Drs. William J. and Raymond E. Whelan: William Whelan was the first Irish doctor to practice in Mahoning County and organized the Mahoning County Medical Society. His son, Raymond, was instrumental in establishing what is now St. Elizabeth Medical Center and was its chief of staff.

William McKinley: Born in Niles, the 25th president of the United States; his family moved to Poland in 1852, when he was 9. Served six terms in Congress, two terms as Ohio’s governor and two as president before being assassinated in 1901.

Maureen Collins: Entertainer and co-founder of Easy Street Productions.

Joe Flynn: Character actor perhaps best known for his role in the 1960s television comedy “McHale’s Navy.” Began his career at the Youngstown Playhouse.

Paul Maguire: The 1956 Ursuline High School graduate played football with the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills before becoming an ESPN analyst in 2004.

Edward J. Reese: Elected in 1995 as a Mahoning County commissioner and is a Cardinal Mooney High School graduate. Owns Creekside Fitness Center in Boardman as well as various health-care facilities.

A.P. O’Horo: Founded the company of the same name in the early 20th century. Four generations of the family have operated the general contracting company since.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan: Sworn in Jan. 7, 2003, to represent the state’s 17th District. Service includes the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

State Sen. Robert Hagan: The 60th District’s representative and Ursuline graduate has been honored for his legislative activities and is affiliated with Youngstown State University’s Labor Advisory Committee.

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin: Installed Feb. 2, 1996, at St. Columba Cathedral as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown.

Sources: Sally M. Pallante; the Irish American Archival Society