Two of Waterford’s most prominent international figures have been honored with the Freedom of Waterford City and County.

Dan Mulhall, the Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, and Professor Louise Richardson the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford were both made Freemen of Waterford City on Monday, March 4.

The Mayor of Waterford Councillor Declan Doocey declared them “two individuals who have made a significant contribution to enhancing Ireland’s status internationally.”

“Professor Richardson’s extraordinary career in academia, alongside her outstanding role in international security as a top-class political scientist, is being recognised here today,” he said.

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It was a privilege & honour to be present @WaterfordCounci & receive with acclamation the Resolution to admit #Ambassador @DanMulhall @IrelandEmbUSA & Prof #LouiseRichardson V/Chancellor @UniofOxford to Freedom of #Waterford #HonorisCausa⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Ky6uEL27pH

— Eddie Mulligan (@MulliganEddie) March 5, 2019

“Ambassador Mulhall has a distinguished career in the Irish Diplomatic Service, particularly in times of crises and in developing Irish-International relationships throughout an extraordinary career.”

Fianna Fáil Councillor James Tobin proposed that the Freedom of Waterford be conferred on Professor Louise Richardson.

“You have not only brought great honour to yourself and to your very supportive family but also to us, the people of Waterford,” said Tobin.

“We are all very moved by and proud of your remarkable achievements.

“Wherever people will talk of great Waterfordians your name will be among them.”

Fine Gael Councillor Pat Nugent proposed that the Freedom of Waterford be conferred on Ambassador Daniel Mulhall.

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As someone born & brought up in the city, it was an enormous honour for me to receive the Freedom of #Waterford last night @WaterfordCounci alongside fellow Waterfordian @UniofOxford Vice Chancellor, Louise Richardson. pic.twitter.com/JXkNPlm2Vb

— Daniel Mulhall (@DanMulhall) March 5, 2019

Fianna Fáil’s John O’Leary stated, “In his forty-year service to this nation Daniel Mulhall has brought distinction to both the people of Ireland and to the city from which he hails and where he is deeply respected and proudly admired for his professionalism, dedication and remarkable work ethic.”

Mulhall replied, “As someone born and brought up in the city, it was an enormous honour for me to receive the Freedom of Waterford last night by Waterford Council alongside fellow Waterfordian Oxford Vice-Chancellor, Louise Richardson.”

It was a particular pleasure for me to have my entire family, most of them #Waterford-based, in attendance at last night’s Freedom of #Waterford ceremony. pic.twitter.com/RjKZ5i8FEc

— Daniel Mulhall (@DanMulhall) March 5, 2019

He paid tribute to his parents and the virtues they instilled in him including the value of education.

“They were proud of the fact that I was the first member of my extended family to attend University,” Ambassador Mulhall added.

“I still remember how thrilled they were to accompany me to my graduation ceremonies at UCC.

“They would be especially thrilled this evening to see me being recognised in Waterford which meant so much to them.

“And the fact that my entire family is present for this special occasion is very special.”

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