Former Lord Mayor of Manchester visits his ancestral home in Athy

A SPECIAL descendant of Athy visited the town last week as part of a trip to celebrate his family heritage, hitting all the best spots such as the new Shackleton Experience, The Auld Sheebeen and Clancy’s pub.

Former Lord Mayor of Manchester, Tommy Judge, came to Athy as part of a visit celebrating his familial roots.

Mr Judge, who served as Lord Mayor of Manchester from 2020 to 2022, has strong personal connections to Athy through his mother, who was born in the town and who lived at No. 2 Canal Side.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, gave Mr Judge the opportunity to bring his family to see the place where his mother grew up and to reconnect with his Irish roots as he celebrates his 70th year.

The visit included a trip to the Shackleton Experience at Emily Square and a boat trip along the Barrow Blueway.

According to local heritage advocate Colm Walsh, the significance of the visit became particularly clear when Mr Judge saw the house where his mother had grown up.

“It was lovely, actually,” Mr Walsh said. “It was so that he could show his kids where his mother was born.” 

Mr Judge’s mother was from No. 2 Canal Side, a row of small whitewashed cottages close in Athy. 

Seeing the modest home and imagining the circumstances in which his mother and her family had lived brought an emotional dimension to the visit.

Colm said: “When you see a large family in a small house with an outdoor toilet, maybe one bedroom, suddenly then it kind of becomes, ‘God, you know, what did they go through?’” 

The visit also highlighted some remarkable connections between the Judge family and Manchester. 

Mr Walsh recalled that Mr Judge discovered that his wife had previously worked with Johnny Marr’s mother in a bank in Manchester – another Athy emigrant.

“There was all these connections that were going on,” Mr Walsh said. “It shows you how small the world is.” 

Following the visit to his mother’s former home, Mr Judge attended a dinner at The Auld Shebeen before heading to Clancy’s pub, where a music session was taking place. A cake was prepared to mark his 70th year and Mr Judge gave an impromptu speech to those gathered.

Mr Walsh said the former Lord Mayor became emotional as he reflected on his mother’s journey from Athy to Manchester and his own achievements.

“He gave a talk spontaneously and was quite emotional,” Mr Walsh said. “He was very proud and hoped his mother would be proud that, from humble beginnings, he became the Lord Mayor of Manchester City.” 

Speaking on behalf of Kildare County Council, Annette Aspell, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We were honoured to welcome Tommy Judge to Athy and to recognise the strong family and community connections that link County Kildare and Manchester. His visit reflects the enduring ties between Ireland and the Irish diaspora abroad, while also providing an opportunity to showcase Athy’s rich heritage, vibrant cultural offering and the internationally recognised Shackleton Experience. We hope visits such as this will continue to strengthen cultural, tourism and civic connections between our communities.” 

Leas-Chathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District, Councillor Brian Dooley, also welcomed the visit and emphasised the pride the local community takes in Athy’s rich heritage and international connections.

“Mr Judge’s visit was an opportunity for him to meet local representatives and experience the heritage, hospitality and cultural character of Athy,” he said. 

“The visit is also a timely reminder of the strong connections between County Kildare and the Irish diaspora in Manchester, and of the role that shared heritage can play in strengthening civic, cultural and tourism links.”