In PART 1 of this interview, Father Jude McKenna speaks about his early life, born in Ballymoney, County Antrim, his family moved to Glasnevin when he was a young boy.. He joined Glasnevin Boxing Club and alongside his twin brother, Brian, had a keen interest in playing cricket and football. Jude boxed for Ireland and was preparing to box in the Rome Olympic games in 1960.

Instead he chose his vocation in joining the Capuchin Order and was sent to Zambia in 1966 as a missionary priest. Zambian had just gained independence in late 1964. First working in Livingstone, near the majestic Victoria Falls, Jude became involved in training young people in the disciplined art of Judo. He brought professional Judo experts from Japan to Zambia to train Zambians to a high standard, some attaining Olympic qualification. Father Jude trained to become a 6th Dan Black Belt Judoka.

Father Jude lived  and worked in Zambia for 50 years, helping street kids with education and training. He coached the Zambian Judo Team for the Moscow Olympics as well as training the Zambian Police Force in self defense methods.

He came back to Ireland in 2007 and has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun Award, Gold and Silver Rays by the Japanese Emperor for his work in promoting Judo and Japanese culture.

Find PART 2 of the interview here

First broadcast 10th April 2024