The Freedom of the City of Dublin is to be awarded to Olympian Kellie Harrington, human rights activist Ailbhe Smyth and Professor Mary Aiken following a recommendation by the Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland.

The decision was taken at tonight's monthly meeting of Dublin City Council and the conferral ceremony will take place at the Mansion House on 11 June.

The trio will join an illustrious list of Freemen and Freewomen including broadcaster Gay Byrne, poet Thomas Kinsella, former US presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.

Ailbhe Smyth is being honoured for her work in the areas of human rights, social justice and academia
Prof Mary Aiken was nominated for her work in the areas of cyberpsychology, online safety and security

GAA manager Jim Gavin and Dr Tony Holohan were the last people to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2020 and 2021.

The Lord Mayor said the women "have made a significant contribution to our city and indeed our country".

"I have nominated Ailbhe Smyth for her work in the areas of human rights, social justice and academia; Professor Mary Aiken for her work in the areas of cyberpsychology, online safety and security; and Kellie Harrington for her unstinting work in the community, her caring exemplar and role modelling for young people and for her sporting achievements.

"They are three inspiring women and I’m delighted to be able to acknowledge their achievements and contribution to Irish public life," said Ms Gilliland.

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Amongst the ancient privileges of a Freeman or Freewoman is the right to bring goods into Dublin through the city gates without paying customs duties and the right to pasture sheep on common ground within the city boundaries.

Dublin's freedom of the city began in 1876 and only four women are on the roll of honour; British suffragist Margaret Sandhurst, Maureen Potter, former Crown Princess Michiko of Japan and Mother Teresa.

Aung San Suu Kyi's honour was revoked because of the Myanmar leader's failure to condemn atrocities reported against the Rohingya people.