Jane and Bernie Sanders to unveil new Made of Athy plaque on May 25

Jane and Bernie Sanders are set to unveil a Made of Athy plaque in Athy on May 25, celebrating the anti-war song ‘Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye.’

It will be erected at St. Michael’s Cemetery at 4 p.m. This marks the 31st plaque erected in the Made of Athy series, highlighting “outstanding contributions to music, art, literature, and more.”

The song, which is sung to the tune of ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home,’ was originally published in 1867 by English songwriter Joseph B. Geoghegan. It has since been recorded by the likes of Bob Dylan, Janis Ian, The Clancy Brothers, Dropkick Murphys and Maureen O'Hara.

“You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg,” the lyrics read. “You're a spineless, boneless, chickenless egg. You'll have to be put with the bowl to beg. Johnny I hardly knew ya.”

Sanders’ wife, Jane, traces her lineage back to Athy and still has family in the area. An American politician and activist, Sanders has served as US Senator in Vermont since 2007. He’s known for his democratic socialist views, advocating for universal healthcare, income equality, environmental relief and workers rights. He ran for president in 2016 and 2020.

This project is supported by the Kildare County Council and the Kildare Arts Office, with help from the Bidens.