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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Dan Grennan

Kellie Harrington to be awarded Freedom of Dublin this weekend

Olympic hero Kellie Harrington will be presented with the Freedom of Dublin this Saturday.

Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland nominated the Portland Row Powerhouse at a meeting of Dublin City Councillors last month.

LGBT activist Ailbhe Smyth and Professor Mary Aiken were also given the nod by the Lord Mayor and will be presented with the award at the Mansion House this weekend.

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They will join the ranks of other high profile recipients such as Bono, Jim Gavin, Dr Tony Holohan, and Brian O'Driscoll.

Only four other women has been awarded the Freedom of Dublin before now, and Lord Mayor Gilliland has said she wants her tenure to reflect on women's contribution to Dublin.

The Labour Councillor previously slammed the lack of female representation in politics in Ireland.

The Lord Mayor told councillors at last month's meeting: “I am honoured and privileged to propose these three women for Dublin City’s highest award, the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin.

"They have made a significant contribution to our city and indeed our country.

"I have nominated Ailbhe Smyth for her work in the areas of human rights, social justice and academia, Professor Mary Aiken for her work in the areas of cyberpsychology, online safety and security, and Kellie Harrington for her unstinting work in the community, her caring exemplar and role modelling for young people and for her sporting achievements.

She added: "They are three inspiring women and I’m delighted to be able to acknowledge their achievements and contribution to Irish public life.”

The conferral ceremony will take place in the Round Room at the Mansion House.

The award acknowledges a contribution made by a person to Dublin life.

Recipients of this award may be referred to as a ‘Freeman’ or ‘Freewoman’ of Dublin, and they are also Honorary Citizens of Dublin city.

Ancient duties of a Freeman or Freewoman include being ready to defend the city from attack and joining the city militia at short notice.

Amongst the ancient privileges afforded to a Freeman or Freewoman is the right to bring goods into Dublin through the city gates without paying customs duties, the right to pasture sheep on common ground within the city boundaries; and the right to vote in municipal and parliamentary elections.

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Read more: Kellie Harrington set to be awarded Freedom of Dublin City

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