Mark English to be awarded Freedom of Donegal
The European Gold medalist will be awarded freedom of the county following his record-breaking 800 metre at the European Championships
Mark English will be awarded the Freedom of Donegal.
Initially proposed by Councillor Patrick MacGowan at the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, the motion was taken to the Donegal County Council Special Plenary Meeting.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Gary Doherty said: “Mark English is an athlete of international standing and hopefully that proposal will get county-wide support.”
The proposal was then unanimously approved. The Letterkenny native, who is also a qualified doctor, will now receive the freedom of the county, the highest civic honour that Donegal County Council can bestow on an individual.
English won a record 800 metres at the European Championships in Birmingham this year, becoming the first Irish man to win a European Athletics Championship Gold medal. The 33-year-old had previously won five European medals before setting a championship record in his semi-final and taking the gold in the final.
English has represented Ireland at the highest level of athletics and has competed at European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games.
The Freedom of Donegal is awarded to those who have a lifetime of outstanding achievement or those who have brought national or international attention to the county.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme