Vindicator file photo

Vindicator file photo

ST. PAT’S DAY WITH MIKE: There was a strong local contingent at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., for the St. Patrick’s Day party put on by U.S. Rep Michael J. Kirwan of Youngstown on March 15, 1961. Turnout may have been bolstered by the anticipated attendance of the nation’s first Irish Catholic president, John F. Kennedy, who had taken office just two months earlier. Kennedy made a brief appearance at the party some time after this picture was taken. From left are: Tony Gillota of Girard, Robert Hayes of Canfield, Warren Mayor Walter Pestrak, Kirwan, Frank Cickelli of Warren, J. Phil Felburn of Columbus, Louis Tauro of Girard and Ray Schryver of Warren. Kirwan held his annual parties at the height of his influence, when he was the successful chairman of the National Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the most powerful men in government routinely attended.