Italians confer freedom of city on Cardinal Daly

Former Primate of all-Ireland, Cardinal Cathal Daly, is receiving the Freedom of the City of Bobbio in northern Italy today.

The Italian City's Mayor and Councillors have decided to honour Cardinal Daly for what they say is his "outstanding contribution" to the peace process and his work for reconciliation in the North.

The Cardinal has said he is deeply moved and honoured by the award but that credit must first be given to others, such as Monsignor Denis Faul.

The City of Bobbio in northern Italy has a long historical connection with Ireland.

It was there that the Irish saint Columbanus died and was entombed in the year 615 AD, having first establishing a monastery in the city.

In more recent times, the city has also been twinned with Navan in Co Meath.

The ceremony will take place later today during the celebrations of the feast of St Columbanus.