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Cork City Council confer of Freedom of the City of Cork on Michael Flatley

The Freedom of the City of Cork was conferred on Saturday, 2nd June 2007 on the entertainer Michael Flatley at a special ceremony in City Hall, Cork at 3.00 p.m.

The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Michael Ahern, presenting the Silver Casket to Michael Flatley.

In his speech conferring the Freedom of Cork on Mr. Flatley, the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Michael Ahern stated:
"In honouring Michael we are honouring someone who has taken a traditional Irish cultural and artistic form and re-invented it for the new Millennium without losing any of the skill, tradition or heritage of the form. He has brought Ireland and Irishness centre stage and no doubt inspired many others to do likewise."

Mr. Flatley responded in his speech by stating;
"It is a great honour to be granted the Freedom of Cork city, proud capital of the county which is now home to Niamh, Michael St. James and myself. It is humbling to join such a distinguished list of Freemen and I will carry the honour with pride. I am grateful to Lord Mayor Ahern, the City Council and the people of Cork."

The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests including Mr. Flatley’s parents Michael and Elizabeth and by his wife Niamh’s mother, Mrs. Monica O’ Brien among other dignitaries.

Michael Flatley signs the Visitor’s Book in the Lord Mayor’s Room.

 
Lady Mayoress Eileen Ahern, Lord Mayor Cllr. Michael Ahern, Michael Flatley and his wife, Niamh, and City Manager, Joe Gavin.

 
Musicians performing at the ceremony - Geraldine O’Callaghan, Johnny McCarthy,
Flaithrí Neff and Brian Hanlon.

 
Michael Flatley’s parents enjoying the day.

 
Poet,Thomas McCarthy, who recited “A Dance at Castlehyde” with Michael Flatley and Lord Mayor, Cllr. Michael Ahern.

Photos by Denis McGarry.

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