Limerick City and County Council has announced that there was a significant worldwide audience for the Freedom of Limerick ceremony for Vicky Phelan.
Figures received from the AV company involved in the live streaming from the Council Chamber in Dooradoyle on 03 February show that there were 4,900 plays during the ceremony.
The audience stretched from Ireland to Russia, United States to Romania.
The ceremony was accessed via Limerick.ie, with the Council providing additional bandwidth on the website to ensure no interruptions in service.
The traditional format of the Freedom of Limerick ceremony was altered, due in part to Covid-19 regulations and also to take account of Vicky’s health.
The Freedom of Limerick is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual by Limerick City and County Council.
The honour is reserved for those who have made exceptional or unique contributions to the common good or to persons who have made outstanding contributions to the life of Limerick.
Vicky was honoured for her work in uncovering the Cervical Check scandal and her tireless advocacy and support of other women who have been affected and are fighting for justice, as well as advocating for the rights of terminally ill people to end their suffering.
| Country | Plays | Country | Plays | |
| Ireland | 2,744 | Slovakia | 4 | |
| United Kingdom | 287 | Netherlands | 3 | |
| USA | 126 | France | 2 | |
| Spain | 42 | Italy | 2 | |
| Poland | 34 | Russia | 1 | |
| Malta | 31 | United Arab Emirates | 1 | |
| Romania | 12 | Unknown | 1,606 | |
| Germany | 5 |
Commenting on the figures, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Daniel Butler said: “The number of people who tuned in from around Ireland and the world is a testament to Vicky Phelan, her story and how she is a voice for others. For many people, the story of Vicky is their story, and sadly their loved ones are no longer with us.
“It was an honour and a privilege to meet with Vicky and her family at the ceremony. She is a truly remarkable woman who is fighting for us all. She thoroughly deserves the Freedom of Limerick.”