In a landmark moment for County Sligo, the Freedom of the County—the highest civic honour ever bestowed by the local authority—was awarded to double Olympian and European champion Christopher O’Donnell at a moving ceremony held at County Hall on Wednesday, 12th November 2025.
Historic Freedom of County Sligo Ceremony
Christopher O’Donnell Awarded Historic Freedom of County Sligo
The Ceremony, attended by Elected Members, Chief Executive Martin Lydon, Directors of Services Brían Flynn and Jim Molloy, family, and friends, marked the first time the Freedom of County Sligo has been conferred. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, delivered a powerful and emotional address, celebrating Christopher’s extraordinary achievements and deep connection to his home county.
“It is with immense pride and deep emotion that I stand before you today as Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council to bestow the highest honour our county can offer—the Freedom of County Sligo—on one of our own: a son of Grange, a champion of Ireland, and a beacon of inspiration to us all—Mr. Christopher O'Donnell,” said Cllr Gilroy.
“It is with immense pride and deep emotion that I stand before you today as Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council to bestow the highest honour our county can offer—the Freedom of County Sligo—on one of our own: a son of Grange, a champion of Ireland, and a beacon of inspiration to us all—Mr. Christopher O'Donnell,” said Cllr Gilroy.
He warmly welcomed Christopher’s family, acknowledging their role in his journey:
“Your unwavering support and love have been the foundation of Christopher’s journey, and today we honour you as well.”
Cllr Gilroy traced Christopher’s path from his early days sprinting down the wing for Benbulben FC to his transformation into a world-class sprinter under the mentorship of Roddy Gaynor. He highlighted Christopher’s many milestones, including his gold medal at the 2024 European Championships in Rome, his national record at the Tokyo Olympics, and his consistent presence on the world stage.
“Christopher’s story is one that could only be written in a place like Sligo—where community, resilience, and dreams intertwine,” he said. “You have shown us that greatness can come from small places, and that with dedication, belief, and community behind you, anything is possible.”
In his acceptance speech, Christopher O’Donnell expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honour and reflected on the journey that brought him to this moment.
“I rarely have time to reflect. This is a really good opportunity for me to reflect on what I have achieved and recognise all the people in the room who have helped me,” he said.
Christopher spoke of his pride in his roots and the strength he draws from his community:
“I do get a huge sense of pride to be from Sligo… I always claim to be the best promoter for Sligo. A lot of the time I am going up against people from other countries with bigger backing and greater federation support—but they don’t have the community support.”
He also shared his enduring loyalty to his local athletics club:
“If I am not running for Ireland, or told otherwise, I always wear the North Sligo AC colours. I wore them when I finished second behind the world record holder.”
Looking ahead, Christopher reaffirmed his ambition and desire to inspire:
“I was never the best footballer or the fastest until I really worked at it and dedicated myself… I’m not planning on stopping any time soon. I’m hoping to get to a third Olympics. We have shown that it can be done, no matter where you are from if you have support behind you.”
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation and a presentation of the official scroll conferring the Freedom of County Sligo. As Cllr Gilroy declared:
“Christopher, thank you for the joy you have brought us, the pride you have instilled in us, and the legacy you continue to build. You run with the wind of Benbulben at your back, the roar of Sligo in your ears, and the hopes of a nation in your stride.”