Former winning Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley yesterday received Donegal County Council’s highest honour – the Freedom of the County.
Mr. Mc Ginley has been honoured in recognition of his golf achievements on the European and PGA tour, his winning captaincy of the 2014 European Ryder cup Team and for his enormous contribution to promoting Donegal as a golfing destination.
The Dublin-born sportsman was joined by his parents, family and close friends to celebrate the occasion at a civic reception in the Rosapenna Hotel in Downings. The room overlooked the course where Paul and his fellow golfing stars will play the Irish Legends tournament this weekend.
Speaking at the ceremony, a passionate Paul McGinley said that he was honoured to be afforded this prestigious award. He has always felt an affinity with the County of Donegal, and what he had achieved in his career could be traced back to the County, and after today he was truly a Donegal person – an identity which he is truly proud of. He described Donegal as a hidden gem which is about to be discovered by people around the world, with golf acting as a conduit, declaring “if Donegal was a stock I would be buying it now… Donegal has so much to offer.” He concluded the afternoon’s proceedings by thanking all in attendance and left the podium to a standing ovation.
View the full photo gallery by Clive Wasson here:
Paul McGinley signs the Distinguished Visitors book alongside Donegal County Council Chief Executive John G. McLaughlin and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Liam Blaney at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Liam Blaney presenting the Scroll of the Freedom of the County to Paul McGinley at a Civic Reception in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Paul McGinley addressing attendees at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Members of the McGinley Family at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Members of the McGinley Family at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Paul McGinley with his parents Mick and Julia at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Paul McGinley and his father Mick at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Artist Norman Gibson presenting his piece “Bád Eddie” to Paul McGinley at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
At a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Attendees at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Donegal County Council Elected Members and Staff at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Mick and Julia McGinley at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on their Son, Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Donegal County Council Chief Executive John G. McLaughlin, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Liam Blaney and Cllr. Ciaran Brogan at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Mick and Julia McGinley with their daughter Karen at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on their son, Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Liam Blaney at a Civic Reception to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Elected Members and Staff of Donegal County Council at a Civic Reception to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Elected Members of Doengal County Council at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County, Cllr. Liam Blaney and CE John McLaughlin presenting the Freedom of the County to Pau McGinley at a Civic Reception hosted by Donegal County Council to Confer The Freedom of the County on Golfer, Paul McGinley in Rosapenna on Monday afternoon. Photo Clive Wasson
