Seán Óg to be given freedom of Cork city

Cork legend Seán Óg Ó hAilpín is to be given the freedom of Cork City at a civic ceremony next month.

The 33-year old dual star, who won three All-Ireland hurling titles and three hurling All-Stars, will become an honorary burgess of the city after Lord Mayor of Cork, Michael O’Connell, proposed that he be given the honour at a meeting of the Cork City Council last night.

Ó hAilpín was recommended for the honour on the basis of his services to Cork in both hurling and football and for his services to his club, Na Piarsaigh, for whom he still plays in both codes.

Ó hAilpín will join a distinguished list of sports people from Cork to be given the freedom of the city, such as former Taoiseach and fellow dual star Jack Lynch, athlete Sonia O’Sullivan and Mayfield native and Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

The flying wing back has been an iconic figure in GAA for over a decade and won a Munster football title and National League title with the Cork footballers to add to the silverware he earned during 14 years with the Rebel hurlers.

Ó hAilpín will receive the honour at a ceremony in the city on 27 May.