THE PRESIDENT OF Ireland has become the second person ever to be awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Ennis.

President Michael D Higgins, who was reared and educated in County Clare, was awarded the honour today at a Civic Reception hosted in his honour by Ennis Town Council. President Higgins was joined in Ennis by his wife Sabina and family members, many of who live in the county.

President Higgins was born in Limerick, raised near Newmarket-on-Fergus, and educated at Ballycar National School and St Flannan’s College in Ennis.

Freedom

The inaugural recipient of the Honorary Freedom to the town was Muhammad Ali, the three-time World Heavyweight Champion. He was given the award during his historic visit to the Clare County Capital, which was the birthplace of his great grandfather Abe Grady.

At Waterpark House today, President Higgins was welcomed by members of Ennis Town Council before being led into the Council’s Civic Room by piper Michael John Quigney of the Tulla Pipe Band.

A specially-arranged musical tribute to him was presented by local traditional musician. Members of the Ennis Brand Band provided a trumpet fanfare after the President was officially awarded Freedom of the Town of Ennis.

Addressing today’s Civic Reception, Mayor of Ennis Cllr Peter Considine said:

Outside of the time you spent in Ennis particularly as a student in St Flannan’s College, I know that from a personal and professional perspective you are very familiar with the town of Ennis, its history and the people who live here. During your time as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, you supported numerous projects and initiatives which sought to protect and promote the culture and heritage of towns such as Ennis.

He added that the President’s lifelong contribution to politics “has inspired many”.

He drew a comparison between the President and Ali, saying:

In your days as a TD and Minister, some might agree that you also did ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’. Your pragmatic approach to dealing with issues in Irish society and indeed abroad, is internationally recognised and certainly has not gone unnoticed here.

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