Inner city councillor proposes Harrington be given freedom of the city

North Inner City councillor Nial Ring has announced that he has formally asked Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland that Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington be given the freedom of Dublin City.

“Kellie’s inspirational achievements, culminating in her Olympic Gold medal win yesterday must be formally recognised with her being conferred with the highest award the city can give – the Freedom of the City” Ring said.

“Kellie has put the North Inner City, Dublin and Ireland  on the world stage in the most positive way possible and the freedom of her native city would be a fitting recognition of her achievements.

“In the past many sportspeople have been recognised, such as Stephen Roche (cycling), Kevin Heffernan and Jim Gavin (GAA), Jack Charlton and Johnny Giles (Soccer), Brian O’Driscoll (Rugby) and her fellow Olympic Gold medalist Ronnie Delaney (Athletics).

“This award to Kellie would not only be recognition for her but also for Boxing itself which has for too long been the “poor relation” in Irish Sport” he said.

“We can’t have a civic reception for Kellie at this point in time, but of course we will get a chance to show her our appreciation tomorrow evening on Portland Row.

“Later in the year,  if and when my fellow councillors support my proposal for the award, we can have a formal civic reception and let the whole of Dublin and Ireland celebrate this magnificent achievement by the wonderful North Inner City girl” he concluded.