South Dublin County Council to confer the Honorary Freedom of the County on South Dublin Soccer Star

South Dublin County Council to confer the Honorary Freedom of the County on South Dublin Soccer Stars

Mayor Billy Gogarty on behalf of the Members of South Dublin County Council hosted a Civic Reception in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Tallaght on Monday 8^th. October 2007 at 6.30pm to confer the Honorary Freedom of the County on South Dublin born Irish International Soccer Stars Robbie Keane(Captain), Damien Duff and Richard Dunne , in recognition of their high profile achievements as professional and international soccer players and their status as exemplary role models to the youth of the County.

The Honorary Freedom of the County of South Dublin is the highest honour the County can award to a person. It is awarded to those who through their achievement have brought particular honour on South Dublin County. This honour has been awarded twice in the history of the county. The two recipients have been the Olympic swimmer Michelle Smith for her sporting achievements and Ingrid Betancourt for her fight for Human Rights in Columbia.

This award follows the passing of a resolution to confer this prestigious honour on the players by the Members of the Council at a meeting of South Dublin County Council held on Thursday, September 10^th, 2007. The proposal to award these honours was initiated by former Mayor Cll. Eamonn Maloney.

South Dublin County Council has a long and innovative history in supporting and promoting sport initiatives in the County. In March 2007, a partnership arrangement between South Dublin County and the Football Association of Ireland to fund the appointment of 3 Football in the Community Development Officers to operate in the specific areas of Tallaght, Clondalkin and Lucan was formerly launched. The agreement forms part of the Councils pro social behaviour strategy aimed at providing the necessary mechanisms and incentives to create a positive social environment in which all citizens of the county can participate.

Richard Dunne (born September 21, 1979 in Killinarden,Tallaght) currently plays in the English Premier League as a defender for Manchester City and in season 2005/'06 was made captain of the club.

Richard played for Home Farm and Everton before joining Manchester City in October 2003 and won international honours at under 18 and under 21 level before winning his first full cap against Greece in April 2000.

Richard has won 30 caps, scoring five goals. Now an automatic choice for Ireland, Dunne's outstanding form in the European Championship qualifying tournament made him Ireland's most consistent player and he set the standard for all others to aspire to.

Damien Anthony Duff (born March 2nd, 1979 in Ballyboden,

Dublin) currently plays as a winger for FA Premier League club Newcastle United

Damien played with St. Kevin's, Lourdes and Leicester Celtic before joining Blackburn in March 1996. His amazing talent soon lit up the Premiership scene in England and in July 2003, Chelsea paid no less than 24 million euro for his services. He continued to blossom when Jose Mourinho joined Chelsea for the 2004/'05 season and played a major role in their relentless march to the Premiership title in the manager's first season and when they retained their title in 2005/06.

He transferred to Newcastle United at the beginning of the 2006/07 season.

Damien who won his first full cap against the Czech Republic in March '98 also helped the Ireland Youths to finish third in the World Cup in Malaysia in 1997. 

He has played brilliantly in the European Championship qualfying ties in 2007.

Robbie Keane ( born 8^th July 1980 in Jobstown, Tallaght currently plays as a striker for Tottenhan Hotspur.
Robbie started his career with Crumlin United and played for Wolves, Coventry City, Inter Milan and Leeds United before joining his present club Tottenham Hotspur.

In 1998 he helped the Ireland Under-18s to success in the European Championships and the following year he played for the Irish Youths in the World Cup in Nigeria.

He won his first Senior cap against the Czech Republic in March 98 and has now scored 26 international goals, breaking the all-time record held by Niall Quinn.

He was appointed captain of the Irish team by Stephen Staunton when he took over as manager in January 2006. Celebrated a great day on November 15, 2006 when he scored his first hat-trick for Ireland in the final international against San Marino at Lansdowne Road before its re-development.

He brought his goals tally to 31 with 2 goals in the 4-0 defeat of Denmark in August 07.

Mayor Billy Gogarty concluded the formalities adding that, quote These great players have shown that with the right guidance and determination, youngsters throughout our County can aspire to such dizzy heights. The powerful example of these 3 sportsmen should be an inspiration to the youth of our County that you can achieve your dreams and ambitions by hard work and determination. Lads were proud of you.