In April 2014, President Michael D. Higgins received the Freedom of Cork City.
The honour was bestowed on him by Lord Mayor Catherine Clancy in a private ceremony at City Hall.
The award is given to persons distinguished for public service and they become Honorary Burgesses of the City and President Higgins was the sixth President of Ireland to receive the honour.
In his speech, President Higgins said:
“Standing in this historic hall, this afternoon, I am conscious of the rich tradition and history of Cork City Council and of your predecessors as Lord Mayor, foremost among them, those great patriots, Tomás Mac Curtain and Terence MacSwiney."
"Those founding fathers of our nation, in embodying an independence of mind and fortitude of spirit drew on the tradition and the personality of this city and its people.”