Neeson receives Freedom of the Borough

On Monday 28th January the Freedom of the Borough of Ballymena was conferred on Liam Neeson OBE in a spectacular ceremony in the Braid. Hundreds of well wishers braved a wet and windy day to greet Liam as he arrived. The wait was well worth while as he spent several minutes outside waving and acknowledging the cheers.

Liam Neeson acknowledges the large crowd as he arrives at the Braid

At a special council meeting the Mayor, Alderman PJ McAvoy proposed the honour. He said that he was proud to have known Liam for many years. The Mayor continued “You are a credit to yourself, your family, friends and the community. You are the most famous Ballymena man in the world. You are also a true professional who has made an outstanding contribution to your profession”

Councillor Tommy Nicholl seconded the proposal. He said that the accolade was much deserved and that not only Ballymena but also Northern Ireland had come a long way in the past few years.

L-R Councillor Tommy Nicholl, Mayor Alderman PJ McAvoy, Liam Neeson OBE and Anne Donaghy (Town Clerk and Chief Executive)

Following the conferment a special Civic Banquet followed. Pupils from St. Patrick’s College and the Northern Regional College had made a special video highlighting Liam’s life and career.

At the Banquet Liam made a very moving acceptance speech. He said that he and PJ went back a long way “He was my boss when I was at Guinness and he kept me on the straight and narrow. He is both a plain speaker and a hard worker, attributes which are both much appreciated in Ballymena.

I am delighted to see a new Northern Ireland emerging from the dark days, now hopefully left a long way behind us. I can promise you that I will continue to be an ambassador for Ballymena, as I have always been”.

Mayor Alderman PJ McAvoy presents the Freedom Scroll to Liam Neeson OBE with Anne Donaghy (Town Clerk and Chief Executive) looking on

Photographs courtesy of John McIlwaine

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