Following Looney's call, which received considerable coverage nationally and locally, the members of South Dublin County Council decided to award the freedom to Egan. The ceremony was due to be held in November but was deferred until January 12th, when the Clondalkin boxer was presented with the award by Mayor Marie Corr.
"I am delighted that the Council have granted this honour on one of South Dublin's local heroes," noted Looney, "and I am proud to have been the first to make the suggestion which has now become a reality."
"As I stated back in August, the best way to honour sporting heroes such as Ken Egan is to build the sporting infrastructure which enables the sportspeople of tomorrow. In terms of its social and health benefits, provision of sports facilities and resources is a key instrument of social policy that Ireland has, in general, failed to enact to its potential. Local Councils and the government need to step up their commitment not only in terms of the money provided, but also its concentration in areas of real need," Looney said.
ENDS
Note to Editor
The original press release calling for the Freedom of the County was sent to this address on August 28th 2008 and is available at http://thelooneyleft.blogspot.
