Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Jack Kelly: Hibernian Screen Star! :)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Everyone!


Vintage postcard art courtesy The Graphics Fairy 

On this day in 1960, Jack Kelly was awarded the annual "Hibernian Screen Star Award" at the Statler-Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles during the Ancient Order of Hibernians' St. Patrick's Day festivities:


It's a little hard to read, but the clipping says "Annual Hibernian Screen Star Award Will Be Presented to Jack 'Maverick' Kelly During the Dance." 

Although it was given in 1960, I've seen JK's award called "Favorite Irishman for 1959" in other clippings and described as a statuette of St. Patrick. Wife Donna Kelly (May Wynn) was also on hand for the award presentation:


Reservations for both the St. Patrick's Day dinner and dance were $6.00 per person. If one wished to attend only the dance it cost just $2.00. But, I'm sure we fans would have paid any amount to see JK! :)

Please stay tuned for more about our favorite Irishman for every year in the next TDS.