Donegal Senior Manager Jim McGuinness has been chosen to receive Donegal’s highest honour – the Freedom of the County.
McGuinness, who this year led Donegal to the first All-Ireland semi-final in a decade, was nominated by Cathaoirleach Niamh Kennedy this evening.
Cllr Kennedy said she was surprised that McGuinness didn’t have the title already.
“I think it would be a good thing to do, I was surprised that he didn’t have it already. I know he has been Donegal Person of the Year before but he was never given Freedom of the County,” Cllr Kennedy said.
The nomination was seconded by Cllr Anthony Molloy and greeted with applause from elected members.
McGuinness oversaw the second of Donegal’s All-Ireland titles when he managed the 2012 final victory over Mayo and wasted no time in spearheading a phenomenal revival for the county this season.
The Freedom of County Donegal is the highest award that Donegal County Council can bestow on a person or group.
Clannad musicians Máire, Pól and Ciaran Brennan received the honour in May of this year.
Other recipients of the Freedom of County Donegal include Paul McGinley, Phil Coulter, Daniel O’Donnell, Patsy McGonagle, Shay Given, Packie Bonner, 28th Infantry Battalion, Anthony Molloy, Seamus Coleman and Danny McDaid.
