The decision by Derry City Council to confer the Freedom of the City on Foyle Hospice Dr Tom McGinley has been welcomed by the Mayor, Cllr Martin Reilly.
Dr Tom McGinley with city Mayor Martin Reilly and members of Derry City Council.
Members of Derry City Council agreed to confer the special honour at a special Council meeting this afternoon. The Council will honour Dr McGinley with a civic reception and dinner at a future date. It is the first time in nearly 13 years the honour has been awarded.
Welcoming the decision, the Mayor said he was delighted the important role played by Dr McGinley through the Foyle Hospice was acknowledged in this way.
He said: “Dr Tom McGinley has over the years made a huge contribution to the lives of many people in this city across the wider North West area. The establishment of the Foyle Hospice and his contribution to patients with cancer and other illnesses and their families has been phenomenal and I think it is a fitting tribute to him that he has been honoured in this way. I would like to extend my congratulations to him on behalf of the people of the city.”
Last time the honour was awarded was when Nobel Laureate John Hume was given the Freedom of the City in 2000.
Dr. McGinley was awarded a prestigious Papal Knighthood by Pope John Paul II more than ten years ago.
The idea for a hospice began back in 1984 when New York born and Donegal raised Dr McGinley, a practicing GP in Derry, was treating an 18 year-old boy with terminal cancer.
Located on the city’s Culmore Road, the Hospice has provided free care for countless patients since it opened back in 1991 and plays a key role in the city’s health infrastructure and has helped countless families at a time when they need it most.
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