Honoris Causa (For the sake of honour)  

An event such as the following can have a significant effect on many, and they are also things in life that make great news.

On Wednesday March 27^th 2024, in what is proclaimed as one of the most important historic and civic structures in Waterford City, City Hall, adorned with glass chandeliers, began the celebration proceedings to honour Waterford’s very own Gilbert O’Sullivan, Irish singer and song writer, who continues to be regarded with tremendous affection and whose music remains well loved across the globe. Gilbert and his family were welcomed and greeted warmly by the people of Waterford City and by County Mayor Councillor Joe Conway.

Traditionally, the Freedom of the City was a status confirmed on a citizen recognising the citizen’s right to trade, hold property, and to vote in the city while entitling them to the protection of the city. In particular, freemen were given freedom from certain customs.

Gilbert, formally Raymond, was born in Waterford City and one of six siblings to parents Jack and Mae O’Sullivan who emigrated to England when he was just seven years old. Gilbert later changed his name from Raymond to his stage name ‘Gilbert’ and went on to become a household name, and one of world’s largest selling solo artists.

At our home, St. Joseph’s Little Sisters of the Poor in Ferrybank, Waterford, we had more than a casual interest in this event. This is because we are blessed with the wonderful resident and Guest of Honour, Bid O’Rourke, Gilbert’s (Raymond’s) last remaining aunt who is 97 years old. Words cannot describe the amazing individual that is Bid O’Rourke but to put it simply, she is elegant and graceful, with beautiful charm. Bid demonstrates her kindness in abundance and was ever so excited by this event for her nephew and thought only of how her sister Mae would have loved to have been present at such an event. Bid sat at the top table with all of Waterford City’s councillors, and if I may say looking as magnificent as ever amongst the dignitaries of City Hall.

Bid recognised the love the people of Waterford had for him and described how proud she was for him in receiving this remarkable achievement saying ‘it doesn’t happen to everyone’. She then relayed how he always wanted to be a musician from a young age, and that he is a credit to all his mother taught him, as his father died quite young.

Gilbert then addressed the audience with a warm speech of immense gratitude and spoke highly of his mother whom he would have loved to be present at the event, but that he is blessed to have his aunt Bid alongside him. He also spoke about the many highs and lows of his music career, adding that without great song writing, we would have no artists, and that ‘if you get off the treadmill, you’ll lose it’. Gilbert O’Sullivan never got off the treadmill.

Gilbert, now a youthful 77-year-old, promised to return to his home that is Waterford City to perform, leaving the audience to applaud with great cheer.

To conclude, success is a clear reflection of the effort, pride and passion with which a person lives, and success is never an accident but the result of sincere determination and direction. It was a wonderful evening full of joy for all involved, especially for Gilbert O’Sullivan, his immediate family, and undoubtedly Aunt Bid O’Rourke.

Go raibh maith agat Gilbert.