Journalist and Laborite dies [obituary for P. I. O’Leary, 27 July 1944]

[Editor: This obituary for P. I. O’Leary was published in The Labor Call (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 July 1944.]

Journalist and Laborite dies

The death occurred at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Friday last of Mr. Patrick Ignatius O’Leary, at the age of 56. Although he had been ailing for some time, his last illness was short. In his early years he was an organiser in South Australia for the Labor movement. He became a clerical employee of the Broken Hill Proprietary Co. at Whyalla and Broken Hill.

About 25 years ago Mr. O’Leary entered the ranks of journalism, and soon became an adornment to his adopted calling. As a literary critic and commentator his qualities were more than ordinarily outstanding. He also produced a book of poetry “Romance,” which met with eulogies in literary circles.

Mr. O’Leary was connected with the Pioneer Players, founded by the Australian playwright, Louis Esson, and the Bread and Cheese Club. He was buried at the Fawkner Cemetery on Monday.

Source:
The Labor Call (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 July 1944, p. 2

Editor’s notes:
The book of poetry by Patrick Ignatius O’Leary, referred to in this article as “Romance”, is: Romance and Other Verses, Melbourne: Alexander McCubbin & Co., 1921.