Roy and Sonia to finally be granted Freedom of Cork

SPORTS stars Roy Keane and Sonia O’Sullivan are to get the Freedom of Cork in a double ceremony this summer.

It’s taken the city a long time to recognise Keane in this way.

Moves had been made to confer the honour on the Manchester United captain and his former team-mate Denis Irwin.

But previous lord mayors were never able to get full agreement from the council.

However, it is understood Mayor Seán Martin will have the full backing of all council members this year.

He confirmed last night that he plans to formally propose within weeks that both sports stars are honoured this summer, during the city’s term as European Capital of Culture.

Sources close to the Keane and O’Sullivan families have indicated their delight, he said.

Work is now underway to secure a date later this year that will suit both stars.

“I felt there was a need to acknowledge the sporting culture of the city,” Mr Martin said.

“Sonia has been a great ambassador, a world champion. And I felt there was a need to acknowledge the football culture of the city too. Roy is one of the greatest footballers this country has ever produced.”

But Mr Martin said awarding the Freedom of the City was the only way Cork had of honouring these two sports stars.

“It highlights the lack of a national awards system,” he said.

The custom of awarding the Freedom of the City dates from the 14th century.

At that time people distinguished for public service became an Honorary Burgess of the city.

Among those honoured in this way were Dean Swift and Captain Richard Roberts, who navigated the Sirius - the first steamship to cross the Atlantic from Cobh to New York in 1838.

The city library has a complete list of the Freemen of the City from 1609 to 1841.