AN emotional Adi Roche said her Freedom of Cork award was a ‘noble symbol of hope and solidarity’ with all those affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
Adi Roche with the Lord Mayor of Cork cllr Chris O’Leary after receiving the Freedom of the City of Cork at the City hall yesterday. Picture: Eddie O’Hare
Ms Roche was recognised for her humanitarian work in the wake of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, receiving the honour 30 years after the incident occurred. She joins fellow recipients such as Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese, John F Kennedy, Éamon de Valera, and Roy Keane in being honoured by a city tradition that dates back to the fourteenth century.
It is the highest honour that the city can bestow upon an individual.
The citation for the honour, read by Ann Doherty, chief executive of Cork City Council, said: “In recognition of her founding of the Chernobyl Children International Charity which provides aid to the children of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine affected by the 1986 Chernobyl Disaster.
“Her dedication and endless commitment as a campaigner for peace, humanitarian aid, and education in the wake of the nuclear disaster, and the role of the many thousands of volunteers and supporters in Ireland who have contributed to the work of the charity over the past 25 years is hereby acknowledged.”
An emotional Ms Roche humbly accepted the honour, which she described as ‘a noble symbol of hope and solidarity’, on behalf of all affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
She saluted all of those who have helped to sustain the charity since, including volunteers and generous donors.
Adi Roche with the Lord Mayor of Cork cllr Chris O’Leary after receiving the Freedom of the City of Cork at the City hall yesterday.Picture: Eddie O’Hare
“Thank you to all of you gathered here today to share this great experience. Thank you very personally for all of the kindnesses and all of the good things you have done to keep us going all of these years. Because of you, there is always hope — and hope is the most enabling gift of all. Corcaigh abú!”
Ms Roche received not one, but two standing ovations as she accepted the honour at Cork City Hall yesterday.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Chris O’Leary, paid tribute to Ms Roche at the ceremony: “Today, we add to this illustrious list Ms Adi Roche: a woman we are honouring as truly remarkable for her campaigning on issues relating to the environment, peace and social justice.
“You are a shining example of what focus, commitment and dedication to a cause can achieve.”
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