THE FREEDOM OF Dublin has been in existence since 1846, yet in that time only a handful of women have received the honour.
Soccer legend, John Giles, and charity campaigner, Brother Kevin Crowley, of the Capuchin Day Centre were announced as the Lord Mayor’s nominations at a meeting of Dublin City Council tonight.
The award acknowledges the contribution of recipients to the life of Ireland’s capital city. It also bestows honour on important visitors to Dublin.
Labour Councillor, Rebecca Moynihan, has expressed her disappointment at the meeting that no women were included on the list for this year.
Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi was the last woman to receive the honour in 2000.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie Moynihan said, “We live in a modern city and it’s important that when we give out these awards we should acknowledge the role that women have played in the development of our city.
“I was very disappointed last year when no women were considered and I raised the issue privately.
This year when I heard that there were no women nominated again, I contacted the Lord Mayor, Christy Burke, to discuss this and suggest women’s names.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke said, “I am honoured and privileged to propose Brother Kevin Crowley and John Giles for Dublin City’s highest award, the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin.
Both men are very worthy recipients and are known and admired throughout Ireland and the world for their achievements and work with those in need.
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