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Coulter thrilled with freedom of
Donegal
20.05.08
SINGER and composer
Phil Coulter has expressed his delight at being
granted the freedom of Donegal.
The Derry-born musician, who has kept a home in
Buncrana for nearly 40 years, is to be conferred
with the honour on Thursday by Donegal County
Council at a civic reception in Lifford.
Coulter, who is 66, is to receive the award in
recognition of his lifelong services to arts and
music. |
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He told
InishowenNews.com yesterday: "I am thrilled and
delighted and very, very honoured. In my line of
work you get awards that are related to your work
and unfortunately when you get a little long in the
tooth, like me, you get the lifetime achievement
awards. But the freedom of Donegal - this is
completely different. On a personal level, it's very
rewarding and unexpected and I'm very grateful and
honoured."
Wicklow-based Coulter said his links with Inishowen
go back a "long, long way" starting with holidays as
a young child with his family in Lisfannon. He now
uses "any excuse" to get back to Buncrana. |
Coulter's many
compositions include the celebratory hit
‘Congratulations’, which, he says, "just might get
an airing" on Thursday.
He also wrote the Eurovision Song Contest winner
'Puppet on a String' and the Irish Rugby Anthem
'Ireland’s Call'.
He said many of his friends, fellow musicians and
family including his Buncrana-based daughter
Siobhan, would travel to the County House in Lifford
to join him in the celebrations.
"It is going to be a memorable event for me and I'm
sure there will be a few tunes afterwards too," he
added.
The composer will be the third recipient of the
freedom of Donegal, the others being Ireland
goalkeeper Shay Given and former Ireland
international goalie, Packie Bonner - both Donegal
natives.
The Mayor of Donegal, Cllr. John Boyle, yesterday
said it would be an honour to present the award to
the internationally renowned singer-songwriter.
"I'm delighted in my capacity as Mayor, to be able
to confer this special honour on Phil Coulter on
behalf of the Council and the people of Donegal, in
recognition of his wonderful career and his special
relationship with the county," said Cllr. Boyle. |
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