Kilbanetown Comeback

In 2013 Des Kilbane chronicled the life of legendary Cleveland boxer and politician Johnny Kilbane in “A Fighting Heart.” Continuing his efforts to highlight his distant cousin’s legacy, Kilbane returns with another tribute, KILBANETOWN COMEBACK. This time around, he focuses on the city’s efforts to honor Johnny with a commissioned statue in the Battery Park area, now a popular arts distict and Johnny’s old neighborhood. He also reveals Cleveland’s rich history with statues, architechture, and art pieces, including the Free Stamp, the Fountain of Eternal Life, the Guardians of Traffic, and many more. The symbolism behind them tells a story about Cleveland and the great people who embody its resilient spirit. The job of creating a piece to commemorate Johnny’s great influence was fittingly given to Irish artist Rowan Gillespie. Rather than rely on old photos, Gillespie took a unique approach, using members of the Kilbane family as models to craft a three-piece sculpture portraying Johnny in various phases of his life. This documentary is an inspiring look at a city that has transformed itself, but without ever forgetting its roots. – E.F