Judge, Seamus
July 17, 2012
Seamus Judge, Mayo Abbey, Cong and Balla.
Seamus Judge, Mayo Abbey, who died recently at the age of 47, took life in its stride and treated all with the same regard and respect. As a member of the staff at Ashford Castle for over 20 years, he met many from American President, Ronald Reagan to actor Pierce Brosnan and a huge amount of others in between. From Ashford Castle to his friends in Mayo Gaels, Seamus made himself at home in any company. He was truly a man for all seasons.
As they say in these parts, Seamus had a way with people. He was comfortable around people and his ability to reach out and make others welcome was the hallmark of his years in the hospitality business.
Wherever you met him you could be assured of a warm welcome and friendly chat. Some old stories and memories from back the years would inevitably bring smiles all around. He had friends from around the world with whom he kept in touch over the years.
Seamus was very proud of his home parish of Mayo Abbey and the strong connection the family had with Mayo Gaels and the GAA. His father Paul served as an officer of the South Board for many years and also at county level. While the Mayo Abbey-based club is one of the smaller ones in the county, loyalty and friendships are at its core and Seamus cherished those qualities all his life.
For two decades Seamus was an integral part of the staff at Ashford Castle. It was always nice to see a familiar face and he always ensured a brilliant welcome for folks from around his home region. He loved Ashford and it was there he met his wife to be, Angelika, a native of Austria who came to work at the Castle.
After leaving Ashford, Seamus ran The West Pub and Restaurant in Westport for a time before eventually re-locating to The Rendezvous in Balla which was just a few miles down the road from his home in Mayo Abbey. He quickly built up a great reputation for food and good service and established a thriving business of which he was very proud.
For almost two years Seamus battled courageously with his illness, always maintaining a positive attitude and great spirit. Throughout all this time he was an inspiration to many, retaining that great sense of nature and charm right to the end. He was one of nature's gentlemen and will be remembered with great affection by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The very large crowds at the funeral ceremonies bore ample testimony to the regard in which he was held by so many. People travelled from all parts of the country as well as some from overseas to pay their own special tributes and to show their support for Angelika and the Judge family.
The gifts in the offertory procession included family photos, a signed Mayo football, his mobile phone that was like an extra limb to him, a picture of the Ashford Castle dining rooms, a photo album of friends and customers of the Rendezvous Bar in Balla, a Manchester United jersey, a Mayo Gaels jersey, and a copy of the Irish Independent newspaper that he read daily.
At the end of the Mass, his sister Nora read a reflection penned by his wife Angelika in which she recalled the impact Seamus had on the lives of many. "Seamus was the most amazing person I ever met. The strength, dignity good humour and grace that he showed throughout his life and, particularly during his illness, often left me in awe. He was generous with his time, his love, his friendship, his affection and his spirit.
"He adored his children and he got immense pleasure out of playing football with Jarlath or singing lullabies for Ryan. Never ordinary lullabies though, mind you he would sing the Piano Man or Rhinestone Cowboy or a composition of his own. All you could hear from the room would be roars of laughter.
"Seamus loved people and that's why people loved him. He loved talking to people and always had something interesting to say but he also enjoyed listening. He took a genuine interest in others and could turn a stranger into a lifelong friend in minutes.
As members of the Judge family reflected. Seamus looked after everyone from family to the man on the street to Presidents, politicians and film stars. President Ronald Reagan, Bertie Ahern, Pierce Brosnan, all showed their appreciation by writing to him personally after events. He was a professional in everything he did. His motto was if you're doing it do it right, no point in half doing it.
Nora also told the congregation that sport was an integral part of his life too. "Seamus was a keen Mayo and Manchester United supporter. Seamus got very excited when at the matches or watching them on television and Dad said he couldn't sit and watch a match with him as he would be unable to hear it because of the shouts and roars and the blinding coming from Seamus!
"Seamus battled and fought hard for the past 22 months. He was always positive and hopeful. The doctors and nurses in the hospices all said that he was an inspiration to others. Even in his weak days he still had a smile and wink for the nurses."
Fr Austin Fergus was the chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass and he was assisted by Fr Denis Carney and Fr James Quinn. The overflow congregation heard Fr Austie pay a moving tribute to Seamus and his contribution to the community life of the region down through the years. Annette Griffin, his long-time friend from Ashford Castle, rendered a lovely selection of favourite hymns during the Mass and was accompanied by the local choir.
Mayo Gaels GAA Club as well as staff and pupils from Mayo Abbey NS and many other friends joined in the large guard of honour in Mayo Abbey on both days. The staff of Ashford Castle and the people of Cong and surrounding areas also formed a major guard of honour on the evening the hearse and cortege came through Cong on the way home from Galway Hospice.
Seamus is survived by his wife Angelika, sons Jarlath and Ryan, parents Paul and Mary, brother Frank, sisters Nora and Catherine, brothers-in-law Pat, Liam and Ronnie, sister-in-law Siobhan, nephews, niece, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Courtesy of The Mayo News, Tuesday, July 17th, 2012.
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