U2 Events: Freedom of Dublin

U2 receives the Freedom of Dublin
March 18, 2000

U2 and manager Paul McGuinness received the Freedom of Dublin on Saturday, March 18 during a ceremony at the Smithfield Civic Plaza in Dublin.

When the honor was announced, Dublin's Lord Mayor Mary Freehill said "U2 placed Dublin on the map as an attractive destination for many young music lovers who would never have visited Ireland otherwise. Despite their international success they continue to live, record and plan their world-class campaigns here. The band are always quick to support the city's charities and cultural initiatives."

Members of the Dublin city council voted unanimously to honour the band. The ceremony also honored Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese human rights campaigner. Her award was accepted by her son, Kim Aris.

Photos (courtesy Reuters, Irish Times, and Heat magazine)

• Bono and Kim Aris hold up their awards
• Edge, Larry, and Bono show off their Waterford Crystal joshua tree awards
• Edge and Bono performing after the ceremony
• Edge and Bono performing after the ceremony (same shot from different angle!)
• U2 poses with Dublin Lord Mayor Mary Freehill
• Edge, Larry, Bono, and Adam show off their Waterford Crystal joshua tree awards (similar to above, but includes Adam)
• Bono thanks Dublin Mayor Mary Freehill with a kiss
• Bono and Edge grazing lambs in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin
• Bono speaking to the crowd at Smithfield Civic Plaza

News

March 20, 2000 - Irish Times - Lambs Graze in Green as Ewe2 Exercise Rights
March 18, 2000 - Reuters - Ireland Honors Myanmar's Suu Kyi, Rock Legends U2
March 18, 2000 - @U2 - Freedom to Do a One-off
March 17, 2000 - Irish Examiner - With or Without Ewe, Bono Finds His Grazing
November 01, 1999 - Reuters - Freedom of Dublin for U2