Olympic bronze medallist Mona McSharry has been awarded the Freedom of County Sligo, the county’s highest civic honour, at a special ceremony held at County Hall on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Mona McSharry Awarded Freedom of County Sligo
Brían Flynn, Director of Services; Cllr Declan Bree; Jim Molloy, Director of Services; Cllr Thomas Walsh; Marie Whelan, Director of Services; Cllr Liam Brennan;
Front Row: Cllr Marie Casserly; Mona McSharry, Freeperson of County Sligo; Cathaoirleach Cllr Gilroy; Martin Lydon, Chief Executive;
The ceremony was attended by elected members Cllr Declan Bree, Cllr Marie Casserly, Cllr Liam Brennan and Cllr Thomas Walsh, Chief Executive Martin Lydon, Directors of Services Marie Whelan, Brían Flynn and Jim Molloy, along with Mona’s family, friends, coaches and invited guests. Music for the ceremony was provided by Kerrie Herrity, Kenny Donagher, Fiachra Guihen and John Dwyer.
Addressing the gathering, the Cathaoirleach said the occasion celebrated more than sporting success.
“Today, we celebrate an extraordinary sporting achievement, but also something deeper: the values of community, commitment and belief that shape success.”
Paying tribute to Mona’s journey from Grange in North Sligo to the Olympic podium, the Cathaoirleach highlighted the role of family, local clubs and coaches.
“Mona’s journey reminds us that excellence often begins close to home, nurtured by family, local clubs and coaches who choose to believe.”
Mona’s achievements include holding 14 Irish records, reaching the Olympic final in Tokyo in 2021, and winning bronze in the 100m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics by the narrowest of margins. She has continued her outstanding form in 2026 with triple gold at the Irish Open Swimming Championships, including a new Irish record.
The Cathaoirleach noted the wider impact of Mona’s success.
“This ceremony is not only about medals. It is about the example Mona offers — that someone from a small village like Grange can stand on an Olympic podium and represent Ireland with distinction.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Mona described receiving the Freedom of County Sligo as a great honour and thanked her family, coaches, clubs and community, acknowledging that every contribution, “even the smallest contribution,” helped her reach this point.
By conferring the Freedom of County Sligo, Sligo County Council recognised not only Mona McSharry’s exceptional achievements, but the pride and inspiration she brings to her home county.
