THE “freedom of the town” is to be conferred on two Irish musicians who were born in the Co Monaghan town of Castleblayney---crooner Big Tom McBride and jazz-player Paddy Cole.

A third entertainer, traditional Irish singer, Anna McGoldrick, who was also born in the border town, is to receive the same civic honour from the Town Council---- but her presentation is being deferred until she returns from the United States where she is currently on tour.

It is the first time in the town’s history that such a public ceremony was organised and it marks the final gesture of town councillors before the town council is abolished following the forthcoming local elections, when a new wider regional municipal authority is being set up.

Town mayor Gary Carville said: “It’s fitting that upon our exit we should honor these three leading entertainers who have given the town such wonderful recognition over the years”.

A Town Council spokesman added “ “Apart from the citation they are getting, they’ll also be able to graze sheep free in the town....that’s traditional with the freedom of a town!”.

Several hundred people from both sides of the border are expected in the town for the unique bank holiday ceremony on Monday.

Online Editors