O’Connell to be conferred with top Limerick honour

In his home city, rugby legend Paul O’Connell “walks on water”.

And the Munster and Irish great will follow in the footsteps of a Pope and two US Presidents when he is conferred asa Freeman of Limerick.

An Apr 22 ceremony will see O’Connell admitted to the ranks of such world leaders as Pope John Paul II and US presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton.

Among other Irish notables previously honoured are JP McManus, Bill Whelan and Terry Wogan.

City mayor Cllr Jim Long said yesterday: “We could not offer the freedom of the city to a more dignified figure. I am a ‘cookie’ [Young Munster supporter] and when you are a ‘cookie’, as mayor, it is just magnificent to be in office to confer this the city’s greatest honour on one of the greatest ‘cookies’ of all time, Paul O’Connell.

“We want to recognise Paul’s outstanding contribution to Limerick, to Ireland and to sport. He is a proud Irishman, Munster man and a Limerick man.

“This is the highest civic accolade that Limerick City Council can give to a man who is an inspiration to all of us in all walks of life, and to both young and old. He carries a tremendous badge of honour for Limerick and it will be my absolute pleasure to confer the freedom of the city on such an iconic person.”

Paul O’Connell said he was delighted with the “massive honour” about to be bestowed on him.

“I’m always conscious, when I’m playing for either Munster or Ireland, that I’m also representing Limerick. I’m very proud of where I come from. I’m lucky to have played for Munster for the last 11 years and my upbringing in Limerick and the influences that I’ve had in Limerick has played a massive part in my success in rugby.

“I’d also like to thank Limerick City Council for bestowing this huge honour on me and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

The ceremony will take place in front of City Hall at 2pm on Sunday Apr 22, and the ceremony will be open to the public.

A total of 63 honorary freedoms have been granted by Limerick City Council since 1877.