PRESIDENT of Ireland Michael D Higgins has become the first Freeman of Limerick following a ceremony in the Milk Market this afternoon.
Limerick City and County Council chief executive Conn Murray read aloud the text of the Scroll of Freedom before Cathaoirleach, Cllr Kevin Sheahan presented the ceremonial document to President Higgins.
”We are privileged to bestow on you the Freedom of Limerick, the highest honour that Limerick City and County Council can bestow on any one individual, group or organisation,” Cllr Sheahan said.
Accepting what he termed “a very special honour”, President Higgins recalled living in Limerick city during his childhood years.
“My brother John and one of my sisters, Kathleen, are here today with their families and it means a great deal to me that we can share this happy occasion in our city of origin, a city my parents loved,” President Higgins said.
“In my poetry collection there is often many, many references to Limerick. I accept this honour today with great pleasure and humility, given as it is on behalf of all those who live in Limerick, and those who love and shout for Limerick whatever their circumstances, wherever they may be, and whatever the challenges they face in the city and county of their minds and hearts.”
The President added: “It was an honour to become sole patron of Limerick City of Culture. I have been impressed and delighted by the wonderful success you’ve had already including of course the recently triumphant arrival of Royal De Luxe and their Giant Saga. As Ireland’s first National City of Culture you have led the way and set a very high standard for other cities to follow.”
President Higgins was presented with a gift of a print from the late Limerick artist Jack Donovan, while Sabina Higgins was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Isobel Korucu, a sixth class pupil at Limerick School Project.
The ceremony was followed by a musical performance from Micheál Ó’Súilleabháin, founding director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and Chair of Music at the University of Limerick.
He was accompanied by guests saxaphonist, Kenneth Edge; TG4 Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Padraic Keane, and the Carolan String Quartet – Karen Dervan, Lynda O’Connor, Denis Doyle and Kate Ellis.
The President also met with the board and staff of Limerick City of Culture and representatives from some of the ‘Made in Limerick’ legacy projects.
The title of Honorary Freeman of Limerick is new and President Higgins is the first recipient of this honour following the formal establishment of Limerick City and County.
