Lord of the Dance
Irishman made Freeman of the City of London in traditional ceremony dating back to medieval times
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Irishman made Freeman of the City of London in traditional ceremony dating back to medieval times

A KILKENNY-BORN businessman has been made a Freeman of the City of London in recognition of his work in insurance and his fundraising efforts over many years.

Michael Walsh, who hails from Keatingstown in Hugginstown, has had an illustrious career in the insurance sector and is currently Managing Director at the global insurance company Allied World.

This month he was honoured by The Worshipful Company of Insurers, the City of London’s livery company for the UK Insurance industry.

“As a Kilkenny man, I am proud and extremely honoured to be made a Freeman of the City of London,” he said.

“I am thrilled to have been part of such a prestigious event which forms part of the City’s rich history.”

He added: “My award this week is tribute to all those who came before me and as a proud Kilkenny man it’s a huge privilege.”

Kilkenny native Michael Walsh has had an illustrious career in insurance sector

Mr Walsh, who has lived in London since 2003, is a graduate from the Waterford Institute of Technology in Business Studies and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Married to Louise, with two daughters Saoirse and Aoife, he returns to Kilkenny regularly to see his parents and maintains strong connections with friends and family across the county.

His recent ceremony commenced with Mr Walsh formally accepting the invitation to become a Freeman of the City of London.

This was followed by a clothing ceremony at the Saddler’s Hall hosted by the Worshipful Company of Insurers.

The day concluded with a procession through the streets of London to a thanksgiving service held at the Church of St Lawrence Jewry, which dates from Medieval times.