Ennis native, Bernard Lynch, is best known for his work with AIDS victims in New York during the 70s and 80s, and for coming out as a gay Irish Catholic priest.
He’s already received a proclamation from New York City Council in 2017, as well as a Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad for 2019, in the Charitable Works category.
Former recipients of the Freedom of the City of London award include Winston Churchill, Bill Gates and Nelson Mandela, Bernard Lynch says while he’s humbled and grateful for the award, it came as a surprise.