Former Lord Mayor of Manchester Tommy Judge Visits Athy to Celebrate Family, Heritage and the Shackleton Experience
Kildare County Council was pleased to welcome former Lord Mayor of Manchester, Tommy Judge, to Athy, as part of a visit celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage, its historic links with the Judge family and the growing international profile of the Shackleton Experience.
Mr Judge, who served as Lord Mayor of Manchester from 2020 to 2022, has strong personal connections to Athy, most notably through his mother, for whom Athy was home. His visit provided an opportunity to recognise those family ties and to celebrate the link between County Kildare and the Irish community in Manchester.
During his visit, Mr Judge experienced some of the cultural and historical highlights that Athy has to offer, including a visit to the Shackleton Experience at Emily Square. With strong historic, cultural and family connections between Kildare and communities across Britain, the Shackleton story offers a unique opportunity to strengthen tourism links, encourage cultural exchange, and showcase Athy as a destination of international heritage significance.
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 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. 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.”
