Centennial of Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument, Cleveland, OH

Hibernian's dedication to Irish history keeps Cronin's 1880 design alive as part of 175th anniversary commemorative coin

                                                            by Rebecca Davey

Sometimes Irish History can be found in the most unlikely places , as Richard Quinn discovered in an antique store. Quinn's research and years of commitment to Irish history have produced enough information on the Youngstown's Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) to fill five books. As a Historian for Youngstowns's Joseph T. Nally AOH Division, he is following in the foodsteps of his grandfather, who was also a Hibernian.     After many trips to the library viewing microfiche articles, his research showed that, next to Cincinnati, Youngstown was one of the oldest AOH divisions in the state. Looking in the Vindicator's archives as far back as 1869, Quinn discovered Youngstown had seven AOH divisions at one time. An avid history collector led him to an antique shop in Pennsylvania where he found an original post card depicting an AOH design. Not knowing what he found, he started on a quest to find more information it. He learned the 1880 design was by Youngstown Hibernian Cornelius J. Cronin. It was to be used as an emblem for the state of Ohio but was never officially designated as such. Quinn contacted Michael McCormack, AOH National Historian with his findings. It was declared the emblem is one of the oldest on record for the Ohio AOH. McCormack recommended it be used as part of the design on the official coin commemorating this year’s 175th anniversary of the National AOH.      The back of the coin depicts Cronin's emblem. At their recently-concluded 78th Biennial Ohio State Board Convention in Boardman, Quinn was honored with their Historian’s Award. It was presented by State Board President Joe Casey and State Historian J. Michael Finn for his outstanding work in the area of Irish History. The award was originated in 2003 to recognize outstanding work among the Ohio's Division Historians. This is the second time Quinn has received this award. In addition to his dedication to Irish history. He has discovered more AOH-donated stained glass windows in Catholic churches than anyone in Ohio. More information on the AOH can be found at their Ohio website, http://www.ohio.aoh-laoh.com