Highest honour for three comedic masters

Three comedy legends shared a stage yesterday to be conferred with the Freedom of Cork in recognition of their remarkable contribution to Irish theatre over half a century.

There were some killer one-liners, humorous anecdotes, dozens of belly laughs and a fair share of tears as Frank Duggan and Michael Twomey — the duo behind the Cha and Miah characters — and entertainer Billa O’Connell, accepted the freedom of their native city at a special meeting of Cork City Council.

Lord Mayor John Buttimer said each man was a worthy recipient but they were being honoured now for their collective body of work.