Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello and the National Women's Council are delighted to announce that they are hosting a reception in honour of Mary Robinson to celebrate the award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The reception takes place at City Hall, Dame Street at 19.00hrs on Thursday 17th December.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Emer Costello said

"Mary Robinson is an inspiration to so many people both in Ireland and all around the world. For many years she pioneered awareness of human rights in Ireland including, in particular, women's rights. Her election as Ireland's first female President was a genuinely historic moment in Irish history and signalled real change in our political and social landscape. Subsequently, as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002 she was a voice for the vulnerable and the marginalised all over the world. She has continued to be that voice in many different roles since then. This was recognised by President Obama when she was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July this year, the highest civilian honour awarded by the US.”

Susan McKay, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland stated

“President Obama said that the Presidential medal is awarded to individuals who have changed the world for the better, who have blazed trails, broken down barriers and opened minds, Mary Robinson has done, and continues to do, all these things. Her energy appears to be boundless. She inspired the women of Ireland to rock the world, and keep rocking it, and we love her for showing us that with courage, imagination, and integrity, everything is possible.”

ENDS