Agenda and minutes

The MC for the occasion, Councillor Deirdre Heney, welcomed the invited guests to the Round Room at the Mansion House on this historic occasion. The ceremonial procession led by Dublin Fire Brigade Piper, the National Colours carried by Óglaigh na hÉireannn, the Sword and Mace bearers, the Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe accompanied by his ADC, Lady Mayoress Ciara McGuaghey, Jim Gavin followed by the Chief Executive, Owen Keegan and Members of Dublin City Council then entered the Round Room at 7 p.m and made their way to the stage.

Councillor Deirdre Heney read the resolution of the City Council that approved the conferral of the Honourary Freedom of the City of Dublin on Jim Gavin.  The resolution, adopted unanimously by Dublin City Council at its meeting on 23^rd September 2019, was as follows “That Dublin City Council hereby resolves that the Honourary Freedom of the City of Dublin be conferred on Jim Gavin and that his name be inscribed on the Roll of Honourary Freedom of Dublin, pursuant to the provision of Section 74 of the Local Government Act 2001, in recognition of his enormous contribution to the City of Dublin in relation to Sport and Service in Public Life.”

The Lord Mayor invited Jim Gavin to sign the Roll of Honour and Jim Gavin was then presented with a scroll and a specially crafted bow.  The Lord Mayor explained to the guests that one of the ancient duties of a freeman / freewoman was to defend the city from attack.  Jim Gavin received a standing ovation from the audience.

The Lord Mayor, Jim Gavin and MC Councillor Deirdre Heney then left the stage.  Darragh Moloney came on stage to act as moderator for a panel discussion that included Brigadier General Rory O’Connor (General Office Commanding Air Corps, Charlie Redmond (member of the Dublin 1995 Team) and Sean Shanley (Dublin GAA).  The panel all paid tribute to Jim not only for his contribution to Dublin GAA but the leadership he displayed across his various roles.  A number of guests from the floor also paid tribute to Jim, they included Comdt Edward Snowdon (Commanding Officer of the Flight Training School Defence Forces), Lt. Col Seán  Ó Fátharta, David Moloney of Bóthar, Peter Kearney (Irish Aviation Authority), Joe Schmidt, Brian Kerr, Jim Brogan, Brian Carthy and Michael Lester.

Music was provided by David Brown and Eamonn de Barra.  Darragh Moloney then invited the Lord Mayor back to the stage with Jim Gavin.  The Lord Mayor spoke of his delight in getting the unanimous support of his fellow Councillors to bestow the highest and most prestigious award the City can bestow.  He paid tribute to Jim’s dedication to Dublin GAA and his contribution to public life through his work with the Defence Forces.   Jim responded and thanked the Lord Mayor, remarking on how special it was that ceremony was taking place in the Round Room where the first Dáil was held.  He paid tribute to the Dublin players  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.