President McAleese receives Freedom of Kilkenny City

President Mary McAleese today became only the third living person to be given the Freedom of Kilkenny City.

The head of state was presented with the honour, to mark her contribution of Irish society, at a meeting of Kilkenny Borough Council held at Kilkenny Castle.

Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody and former Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Seamus Pattison have also been given the award.

“I understand that we are the only three people living to hold this distinction and I will treasure it and the memory of the goodwill and pride of the people of Kilkenny in their city which caused me to receive it,” said Mrs McAleese.

Kilkenny’s is marking the 400th anniversary of its city status which was granted by King James I in 1609.

Other recipients of the Freedom of Kilkenny in past decades include Eamon De Valera and Countess Constance Markievicz.

The honour is the highest accolade that can be bestowed by Kilkenny Borough Council.

The President signed the city’s historic Freedom Roll and was presented with a handcrafted wooden Freedom Box containing a commemorative scroll.

She revealed she had a hurley and ball signed by Kilkenny hurling star DJ Carey in her study in Arás an Uachtarain.

“I am hoping some of that Kilkenny sporting DNA, the Cody charisma, might rub off and bring an Ulster team a bit closer to one of those days out in Croke Park that Kilkenny takes so much for granted.”