Seamus Mallon ‘honoured’ with Drogheda award
THE Freedom of Drogheda was accorded to renowned politician and peacemaker Seamus Mallon at the Highlanes last Friday, in recognition of a life devoted to public service, human dignity and advocacy.
Mr Mallon, a former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland and former deputy leader of the SDLP, was nominated for the award by Mayor of Drogheda, Councillor Pio Smith.
Commenting, Cllr Smith said: “It is very fitting that this acknowledgement is extended to Seamus Mallon in the year that we mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, as Seamus played a huge role in building the peace that has brought great benefits to the whole island, and the border counties in particular. Since he entered political life in 1962, Seamus Mallon is the only politician to have sat in Westminster, Stormont and in the Oireachtas, as a member of Seanad Éireann.
“In offering the Freedom of Drogheda to Seamus, we applaud and celebrate his life as an implacable opponent of institutionalised discrimination and as a passionate advocate for progress through non-violent means. It is a great honour to Drogheda and its citizens that he chose to accept this award and it was a privilege to present it to him.”
Accepting the award, Seamus Mallon said: “I would like to thank the Borough District of Drogheda and Mayor Pio Smith – I am greatly humbled by this honour. I am delighted to see the benefits the Good Friday Agreement has brought to Drogheda, to Louth and to the other border counties over the years.”
Previous Freeman, President Michael D Higgins, sent a letter of support for the event, highlighting the enormous contribution Mr Mallon had on Irish life, north and south of the border.
Mark Durkan - former leader and MP attended on the night, as did Nicola Mallon - Deputy Leader and MLA, Claire Hanna - MLA, Justin McNulty - MLA , Dolores Kelly - MLA , Donal Lyons - Councillor and Seamus de Faoite - Councillor.