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Dermot O’Leary granted Freedom of the City for London Irish Centre patronage -Lucy Norris-Entertainment – Metro
He’s ‘so honoured’ with the accolade.
Dermot O’Leary has been a ‘valued campaigner’ for the London Irish Community (Picture: William Walsh)
Dermot O’Leary was teary-eyed as he received the Freedom of the City of London from the Lord Mayor on Tuesday for his Irish Centre charity work.
The 49-year-old BBC Radio 2 and This Morning presenter attended his award ceremony at The Mansion House in London with his wife Dee Koppang.
A strong campaigner for the Irish community abroad, former X Factor host Dermot said he was ‘honoured’ to be recognised for his work with the Camden-based London Irish Centre charity.
‘I am genuinely honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London,’ he said.
‘Anyone who knows me will know that two of my great loves are this wonderful city and my Irish heritage so, to receive the Freedom alongside my London Irish Centre friends makes it all the more special.’
Dermot was born in Colchester to Irish parents that emigrated to the UK from Wexford in Ireland.
A proud day for the former X Factor host (Picture: William Walsh)
He was celebrated at the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, The Mansion House, by family members, friends and representatives from the London Irish Centre.
Accepting the award, he explained how why it meant so much to him: ‘Countless Irish people, like my own parents, brought so much to this great city, so I would like to sincerely thank the Lord Mayor in honouring those experiences and contributions today, and I proudly and humbly accept this on their behalf.’
Dermot presents This Morning on Fridays with Alison Hammond (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The presenter and his wife attended The Mansion House to accept the award (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
The BBC Radio 2 weekend breakfast show host, who is also an ambassador for UNICEF and CAFOD, supports the London Irish Centre who service their community in the capital by providing advice, support and cultural outlets.
Nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny and member and court assistant of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, Vince Dignam, both individuals applauded Dermot for being a ‘valued charity campaigner.’
Truly a day of celebration for the Emerald Isle, Vincent also happened to be the City’s first Irish National Lord Mayor and so was ‘delighted’ to nominate his fellow countryman for the accolade.
Freedom of the City of London is one of the City of London’s ancient traditions, supposedly started in 1237.
Usually, it’s awarded to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a highly significant achievement.
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