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Post by Everton News on Jun 1, 2017 17:22:32 GMT
 Everton and Republic of Ireland football star Seamus Coleman will have Donegal’s highest honour bestowed upon him on June 2 after being praised for his humility and hailed as a shining example to young people. The full-back, who suffered a horrendous double leg break on his last international outing, will be accorded the Freedom of County Donegal at a Civic Reception hosted at the County House in Lifford on Friday, starting at 5pm. A native of Killybegs, Seamus Coleman is so highly thought of that he was awarded a new long term contract with Everton after suffering the injury which could see him play no further part on the pitch this year. He had also been named captain of the Republic of Ireland national team. Coleman started his football career with St. Catherine’s in Killybegs. He joined League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers in 2006 and then moved to England to sign for Everton in January 2009. He has made over 200 appearances for Everton and is regarded as one of the league’s top full-backs. At around £60,000 he is widely regarded as one of the best bargains ever in the Premier League. Coleman has been a senior international for the Republic of Ireland since 2011, acquiring over 40 caps. He won the 2011 Nations Cup and was awarded the FAI Under-21 International Player of the Year in both 2009 and 2010. He was selected for the Ireland squad at UEFA Euro 2016, captaining Ireland against both Italy and France. He was named Ireland captain in September 2016. Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach (Mayor or Chairperson) Cllr. Terence Slowey said he is looking forward to this event where the Freedom of Donegal will be bestowed on Seamus Coleman. “Seamus Coleman is a credit to Donegal and it is my great honour to present him with the Freedom of the County. He is a wonderful role model for the children and young people of this county. He has achieved great things in his career and although he has reached the pinnacle of his sport he has never forgotten his roots. He remains a humble and genuine person and his commitment to Donegal and in particular his commitment to Killybegs is beyond reproach.” Seamus will be the eight recipient of a badge and pin specially commissioned by the Council. The badge (and lapel pin) is reserved exclusively for those on whom the Freedom of the County is conferred. The badge, crafted by Ms Geraldine Hannigan, Designer Goldsmith, Letterkenny, and mounted on a background designed by Mr Fionntan Gogarty, Artworks, is a silver replication of the County Badge granted to the Council County by the Chief Herald of Ireland as part of a Grant of Arms to the County. The badge comprises the O’Donnell Cross enfiled by an Iunula. The Iunula on which it is based was discovered at Trentagh, Co. Donegal, and dates to the period 1500 -2,000 B.C. It is on display in the National Museum. Other recipients of the Freedom of County Donegal include Anthony Molloy, Phil Coulter, Shay Given, Patsy McGonagle, Daniel O’Donnell, Packie Bonner and the 28th Infantry Battalion. www.derryjournal |
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Post by rugbytoffee on Jun 1, 2017 17:35:46 GMT
Good on him.
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Post by Avinalaff on Jun 1, 2017 18:12:02 GMT
Hopefully his leg will mend quickly in time for next season. |
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Post by Everton News on Jun 3, 2017 10:43:33 GMT
 Seamus Coleman has received the Freedom of the County of Donegal. The Everton defender was awarded the honour at a civic reception hosted by the Cathaoirleach - the chair of the senate - and members of Donegal County Council on Friday at the County House in Lifford. Signed by Everton for just £60,000 in 2009, Coleman has become a mainstay in the Blues' line-up and is closing in on 250 appearances for the Club. He has also represented his country with distinction, and was named Republic of Ireland captain by Martin O’Neill in September 2016. Born in Killybegs, County Donegal, Coleman has never lost sight of his origins and holds his home dear to his heart. “I know everyone loves where they’re from but I really do love Killybegs,” he said. “I’m just Seamus, who they’ve known playing the Gaelic and kicking a football against the wall on St Cummins Hill, the housing estate I grew up on. “This is peace and quiet and family and friends, walks along Fintra Beach and kids on the estate knocking on the door and asking me to come outside to play football with them and chatting about the Premier League. But no one treats me like a Premier League footballer.” Coleman is the eighth recipient of the Freedom of the County, joining Irish football greats Shay Given and Pat Bonner. The right-back was joined at the ceremony by his wife Rachel, daughter Lily, mother Maire, father Henry and brothers Stevie and Francis. Speaking at the ceremony, an emotional Coleman said that he was shocked to receive this honour and that this award would take pride of place in his home. He also talked about how proud he is to be from Killybegs and Donegal and said that his heart would always lie here. Cathaoirleach councillor Terence Slowey hailed the 28-year-old as a worthy addition to that group. “He is a wonderful role model for the children and young people of this county,” he said. “He has achieved great things in his career and although he has reached the pinnacle of his sport he has never forgotten his roots. “Seamus remains a humble and genuine person and his commitment for Donegal and in particular to Killybegs is beyond reproach. "While he has achieved great things on the field, I can’t help but be most impressed by his achievements off the field. He is a modest and humble person. A person who always has time to talk to his supporters and especially the children and young people that look up to you as their hero and role model. “He is also a person who remains hugely committed to his hometown and a wonderful ambassador for Donegal." |
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