DUBLIN, Ireland - Following a recommendation from Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland, Olympian Kellie Harrington, human rights campaigner Ailbhe Smyth, and Professor Mary Aiken will be conferred the Freedom of the City of Dublin.
The decision was made at Dublin City Council's monthly meeting on Monday, and the conferral ceremony will take place on June 11 at the Mansion House.
The trio will join a long list of notable Freemen and Freewomen, including Gay Byrne, poet Thomas Kinsella, former US presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa.
In 2020 and 2021, GAA management Jim Gavin and Dr. Tony Holohan were the last people to receive the Freedom of the City of Dublin.
The women "have contributed to our city and our country," said the Lord Mayor.
Ms. Gilliland said, "They are three great women, and I'm glad to be able to honor their achievements and contribution to Irish public life."
Amongst the ancient traditional privileges of a Freeman or Freewoman is the right to herd sheep on common ground within the city limits and the right to bring goods into Dublin through the city gates without paying customs taxes.
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