Tóibín to be made freeman of Cork

The legendary actor and comedian Niall Tóibín is to be made a freeman of Cork despite an “agreement” last year to put a stay on the award for five years.

Lord Mayor Cllr Mary Shields had to defend her efforts last night to honour “one of the finest actors of our time” after a row flared over the political process used to choose a candidate.

She also rejected accusations from councillors, including members of her own party, that she went on a “solo run”.