Mayor pays tribute to Derry Bishops as they receive Freedom of the City

Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson has paid tribute to the important role played by the two retired Bishops of Derry at a ceremony to confer them with the Freedom of the City status.

The two former Bishops Most Rev Dr Edward Daly and the Most Rev Dr Mehaffey were conferred the Freedom of the City following a ceremony in Derry’s Guildhall.

Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson said the honour was a very deserving one and was in recognition of the great work they have done to promote peace and cross community partnerships over the past five decades.

“The Freedom of the City honour is a fitting tribute to two men who have taken huge risks over difficult times in our city. They were to the fore in promoting peace and being a voice of the people, offering a beacon of hope for a new and brighter future. They are two remarkable people who are dearly loved and respected by the people of this city and region and we are absolutely delighted to confer the Freedom of the City honour to them,” she said.

The decision to confer the Freedom of the City on the two Bishops was made at a Council meeting last month. It was unanimously agreed that the two Bishops receive the honour in recognition of their contributions to the city over the past five decades.

A motion, proposed by SDLP Councillor John Boyle, received cross party support with all councillors paying tribute to the outstanding work of both men in building peace and reconciliation, and their devotion to the citizens of this city through their ongoing ecumenical work.

Last year, Derry City Council conferred the honour of Freedom of the City to Dr. Tom McGinley in recognition of his work with the Foyle Hospice. The honour was awarded to Nobel Laureate John Hume back in 2000.

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