CERVICALCHECK CAMPAIGNER Vicky Phelan will today receive the Freedom of Limerick at an event that will be live-streamed online.
Mayor of the City and county Cllr Daniel Butler will present the honour to Ms Phelan after his nomination for her was unanimously agreed upon at a recent meeting of the council.
The Freedom of Limerick is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual by Limerick City and County Council. The honour is reserved for those who have made exceptional or unique contributions to the common good or to persons who have made outstanding contributions to the life of Limerick.
Vicky is being honoured for her work in uncovering the Cervical Check scandal and her tireless advocacy and support of other women who have been affected and are fighting for justice, as well as advocating for the rights of terminally ill people to end their suffering.
"Vicky is an inspiration," Cllr Butler said. "She has faced and continues to face her health challenges head-on, with a drive and determination that has garnered the respect and admiration of all."
"She is being honoured for her work in uncovering the Cervical Check scandal and her tireless support of other women who have been affected and are fighting for justice – a fight that continues. Her work encapsulates the ideals of the Freedom of Limerick.
Accepting the nomination from the Mayor, Vicky Phelan said:
"I would be absolutely honoured and delighted to accept your offer of bestowing on me the title of Freedom of Limerick, for two reasons.
"The first being that, there have only been four women before me who have been honoured with this title, and secondly, I am a very proud blow-in from Kilkenny who has made her home in Limerick. I have always felt welcomed and accepted in Limerick, ever before I became this public figure so I would be absolutely thrilled to accept the offer."
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland today, she also said "it's great to highlight that women are well up there with the likes of Paul O'Connell and all the other people who went before me."
She described the support she has received over the last four years as "phenomenal".
"Every day something comes in the post, cards, mass bouquets, holy water, and that’s four years on from when I took my court case."
Ms Phelan now joins the likes of President Michael D Higgins, Maud Gonne, US Presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton, and Pope John Paul II as a recipient of the Freedom of Limerick.
The ceremony will be live-streamed at 6.30pm this evening on www.limerick.ie/Vicky-Phelan
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