The people of Leitrim will gather on Saturday to remember the life of a priest who died in 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack.

Fr Mychal Judge, who served as chaplain to the New York City Fire Department, was the son of two Irish immigrants; his father was from Keshcarrigan while his mother was a native of Drumkeerin.

On the morning of 9/11, Fr Judge made his way to the World Trade Center building to pray and support the victims and emergency services.

Sadly, he was fatally injured and he became the first confirmed fatality of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York in 2001.

The Father Mychal Judge Memorial and Peace Garden in Keshcarrigan was dedicated on September 11, 2005, on donated land which had belonged to Fr Judge’s ancestors.

People from the village and surrounding area celebrate his life every year on the anniversary of the tragic events.

To mark the 25th anniversary of his death, the Keshcarrigan Development Association is hosting a memorial event on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 2pm.

All groups, guests, family members and dignitaries will gather in the village for 1.30pm sharp at Gertie’s Main Street, Keshcarrigan where a parade will be led by Kiltubrid Pipe Band.

A small ceremony including prayers, speeches, a wreath laying and a tree planting ceremony will take place at the Fr Mychal Judge Memorial and Peace Garden at Keshcarrigan Lake.

A reception will take place afterwards in Tailor McKeon’s Bar, Guesthouse and Restaurant and Gertie’s, Main Street, Keshcarrigan.

A spokesperson for Keshcarrigan Development Association said, “Everyone is invited to come along to the event and remember Fr Judge and all those who lost their lives in 9/11.

“Father Mychal’s father originally came from Keshcarrigan before emigrating to America, making this occasion a particularly special one for the local community.

“Please come along and join the people of Keshcarrigan in remembering Fr. Mychal Judge and celebrating his lasting legacy of peace, compassion and service.

According to Leitrim Tourism, Fr Judge was ordained a priest in 1961 and in 1992, he was appointed a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department.

“Father Mychal Judge was a Catholic priest and Franciscan friar who served as chaplain to the New York City Fire Department.

“He was the first confirmed fatality of the September 11. 2001 terrorist attacks.

“Fr Judge was also well known in the city for ministering to the homeless, the hungry, recovering alcoholics, people with AIDS, the sick, injured, and grieving, immigrants, members of the LGBT community, and those alienated by the Church and society.

“On September 11, 2001, upon learning that the World Trade Center had been attacked, Fr Judge rushed to the site.

“He was met by Rudolph Giuliani, the Mayor of New York City, who asked him to pray for the city and its victims.

“Fr Judge prayed over bodies lying on the streets, then entered the lobby of the World Trade Center North Tower, where an emergency command post had been organised.

“There he continued offering aid and prayers for the rescuers, the injured and the dead.

“Sadly, Father Judge was fatally wounded, and was pronounced the first official victim of 9/11.”