Contributed by Helen Zamojskyj (née Johnson)
Helen Zamojskyj’s family story is one of movement,
resilience, and community—a narrative deeply
rooted in Galway, Laois, and Manchester, shaped
by the Irish diaspora’s unyielding sense of identity.
Born into a family with strong Irish roots, Helen’s
ancestors hailed from Windfield, Brierfield, and
the wider County Galway region. Like many before
them, her family’s story was shaped by migration,
economic survival, and the search for opportunity.
Helen’s mother Mary Johnson (née Whyte) came to
England at the age of 19, initially working for a family in
Lymm, Cheshire before moving to Manchester, where
she found work in a herbalist’s shop. After the war,
her father emigrated to Manchester from his home of
Rathmoyle, Abbeyleix County Laois. He found work as
a labourer before becoming a bus driver. Their lives,
like those of many Irish emigrants, revolved around the
structures of the Irish community, particularly St. Chad’s
Church, which provided a social and cultural anchor.
Helen’s father Jim Johnson played a significant role in the
Irish community in Manchester. He was a founding member
of the original Irish Centre, and Irish parade in Manchester,
which began as a small procession from the top of the
road to St. Chad’s Church and eventually grew into a major
annual event. He was also Chairman of the Manchester
Laoise Association. A trade unionist and political activist,
he was a committed member of the Labour Party and the
Council of Irish Societies, advocating for Irish workers’
rights and community representation in local politics.
For Helen, childhood summers meant returning to
Ireland, where she spent long visits at her grandmother’s
home in Galway. These visits forged an unbreakable
connection to her heritage, offering her a glimpse
into the lives of her extended family, many of whom
had dispersed to America and Australia. Her family’s
history, like that of so many others, was scattered
across continents, woven together by letters,
photographs, and the enduring pull of Irish identity.
As the Irish community in Manchester evolved, Helen saw
first-hand the changing nature of Irishness. She witnessed
a shift from the struggles of first-generation immigrants—
who faced discrimination and social exclusion—to a new
generation embracing their heritage with pride. Music,
politics, and cultural movements all played a role in this
transformation. Helen speaks of how Irish identity was
sometimes diluted when women married outside the
community, but also how younger generations, even those
of mixed heritage, have begun reclaiming their Irish roots.
Her own life has been marked by personal and cultural
connections beyond Ireland. Helen married into the
Ukrainian community in Manchester, discovering
parallels between the Ukrainian and Irish migrant
experiences—shared struggles, traditions, and a
deep sense of belonging. The Ukrainian community,
like the Irish, maintained strong ties through
churches, social clubs, and cultural events.
Today, Helen remains deeply involved in cultural
preservation, advocating for the recognition of Irish
history in Manchester. She is passionate about projects
that document and celebrate the contributions of
the Irish community, ensuring that the stories of her
parents and grandparents—of migration, survival,
and cultural continuity—are preserved for future
generations. For her, the Irish experience in Manchester
is one of strength, solidarity, and an enduring love
for the home that so many had to leave behind.