A short trip to Tipperary

Famous song penned by councillor’s relative
A LOCAL councillor doesn’t have a long way to go to celebrate the life of a family member who penned one of the all-time favourite wartime songs.

Bernard Judge has been invited as a VIP guest for the short journey to Stalybridge — birthplace of the classic “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” — to mark the song’s 100th anniversary.

A ceremony, on January 31 will take place at the statue erected in honour of Bernard’s distant relative, Jack Judge.

The Royton North councillor recollects proudly the heart-warming tale of the song which helped the World War One troops remember home.

He said: “Jack used to tour around the music halls and while in Stalybridge he wrote ‘Tipperary’ for a bet. The person who placed the bet thought Jack couldn’t write an original song in 24 hours.

“The following night the first public performance of the song took place at Stalybridge’s Grand Theatre.

“He was such a character: the whole thing fills me with pride.

Bernard (64) never met the Midlands-born entertainer — Jack died in 1938; but music has continued to run through the family’s blood.

The former Oldham Mayor is a Sixties and Northern Soul enthusiast and his brother Frank will be performing with the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band at the bronze Jack Judge statue, outside Stalybridge Civic Hall, on Saturday, January 29.

A commemorative plaque will be unveiled at the centenary ceremony — which begins at 11am — followed by music from members of Stalybridge Band — the world’s oldest, founded in 1809.