Prestigious Leeds Award presented to the ‘father of the Irish community’

Tom McLoughlin MBE, the man known affectionately as the ‘Father of the Irish community,’ received the prestigious Leeds Award, a prestigious honour that formally recognises the achievements of individuals who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the city.

In a ceremony held yesterday, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, presented the accolade to Mr McLoughlin in recognition of more than 50 years of tireless service to the Leeds Irish Centre and his extraordinary fundraising efforts for local charities.

His name has now been inscribed on the wood-panelled walls of the Civic Hall antechamber, standing alongside other city greats such as Windrush pioneer Alford Gardner and D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer.

Born in 1941 to parents from County Mayo, Tom’s life has been woven into the fabric of the Leeds diaspora since childhood. As a boy, he collected glasses in his parents’ pubs in Hunslet and Beeston, often serenading migrant workers with traditional Irish songs.

When his father died suddenly when Tom was just 17, he left school to support his widowed mother, working as an office clerk and building site labourer before his vocal talents set him on a new path. In June 1970, he was invited to be the MC for the opening night of the Leeds Irish Centre - the first purpose-built institution of its kind in the UK.

By 1975, he had taken over as full-time manager. Alongside his deputy of 50 years, Christy Power, Tom established a ‘Gaelic welcome’ that extended to all, regardless of ethnicity or creed.

A £5 million Leeds legacy

During his five-decade tenure, Tom transformed the York Road centre into a fundraising powerhouse. Together with staff and patrons, he has helped raise over £5 million for charities.

These include Leeds Teaching Hospitals, St James’ Bexley Wing Cancer Unit, Martin House Children's Hospice, Simon on the Streets, and local food banks.

One nominator described him as "the unofficial ambassador for the Yorkshire-Irish diaspora," adding that "Tommy hates any publicity for his countless good deeds, but he is a leader of the people of Leeds. His care, empathy, and diligence have made him a hero to thousands".

The Lord Mayor described Tom as a "fantastic ambassador" whose selfless acts of humility are an inspiration to the entire city.

Reflecting on the honour, McLoughlin remained characteristically humble, crediting his success to his family and the community he serves: "I could not have achieved anything without the love and support of my wife of 60 years, Helen, and, of course, the true loyal members of the Leeds Irish Centre," Tom said.

"To me, the centre is the beating heart of our Leeds Irish community. I am proud to have been a part of it".