Leeds Award Presented to Longstanding Irish Community Leader

Recognition for Over Five Decades of Service to Leeds Irish Centre

Tom McLoughlin MBE, known as the ‘father of the Irish community in Leeds’, has been honoured with the Leeds Award by Leeds City Council for his extensive contributions to the city. The accolade recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and lasting impact on Leeds.

Lifetime Commitment to Community and Charity

Mr McLoughlin received the award from the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, in a ceremony marking his more than fifty years of dedication to the Leeds Irish Centre. His work has extended beyond the centre, supporting numerous charities and communities throughout Leeds.

His name will be added to the Leeds Civic Hall antechamber wall alongside other notable recipients, including Windrush pioneer Alford Gardner and D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer.

Early Life and Involvement with the Irish Community

• Born in 1941 to parents from County Mayo, Ireland, Tom McLoughlin moved to Leeds as a child.
• His parents operated pubs in Hunslet and Beeston, where Tom was immersed in Irish cultural traditions.
• Following the sudden death of his father when Tom was 17, he left school to support his family, initially working in an office and later as a building site labourer.

Role at Leeds Irish Centre

Tom’s singing talents led to his appointment as master of ceremonies at the official opening of the Leeds Irish Centre in June 1970, the first purpose-built Irish centre in the UK. He became the full-time manager in October 1975.

Alongside deputy manager Christy Power, he established the centre’s inclusive ethos, welcoming people regardless of creed or ethnicity.

Charitable Fundraising and Community Impact

During his tenure, Mr McLoughlin and the centre’s community have raised over £5 million for various charitable causes. Beneficiaries include:

• Cardiomyopathy Association
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals
• The Smily Bus
• Take Heart Appeal
• The Head and Heart Appeal at Leeds General Infirmary
• Brain Injury Trust
• Noddy Appeal
• St James’ Bexley Wing Cancer Unit
• Food for Kids at Christmas
• Martin House
• Simon on the Streets
• Foodbank
• The Street Angels Club

Community and Official Responses

One nominator described Tom McLoughlin as “the father of the Irish community and the community of Leeds,” highlighting his empathy, leadership, and international recognition within the Yorkshire-Irish diaspora.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, said: “Tom has been and continues to be a fantastic ambassador for the Irish community, and his selfless acts of charity, humility and community representation are an example and inspiration to us all.”

Personal Reflections

Tom McLoughlin acknowledged the support of his family and friends in his acceptance speech, stating: “The centre is the beating heart of our Leeds Irish community. I am proud to have been a part of it.”