Northern Ireland

Gloria Hunniford granted freedom of her Co Armagh home borough

Ms Hunniford is the first female recipient of the honour granted by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.

Gloria Hunniford became the first woman to be granted the freedom of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough
Gloria Hunniford became the first woman to be granted the freedom of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye/Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye )
By Rebecca Black, PA

Television personality Gloria Hunniford has been granted the freedom of her Co Armagh home borough.

The 84-year-old from Portadown started her career in local radio in Northern Ireland in the 1970s before moving into television and becoming a household name across the UK.

Ms Hunniford has also made a significant contribution to supporting those with cancer through the Caron Keating Foundation, set up in memory of her daughter who died from breast cancer in 2004.

On Saturday, Ms Hunniford became the first woman to be granted the freedom of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough in recognition for her outstanding contributions to broadcasting and charitable work.

Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 25th May 2024 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council conferred the Freedom of the Borough to Mrs Gloria Hunniford OBE at an official ceremony held at its Civic Headquarters, The Palace Demesne, Armagh on Saturday 25 May 2024.ÊAlong with family and friends, Gloria Hunniford, the first female recipient, was awarded the prestigious honour in recognition for her outstanding contributions to broadcasting and her tireless charitable work.ÊKnown for her extensive career spanning over five decades in television and radio, Gloria has become a beloved figure in the British media landscape. Her work has touched the lives of millions, and her dedication to excellence and integrity in journalism has set a high standard for the industry.Gloria Hunniford is pictured with Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough,ÊAlderman Margaret Tinsley and Chief Executive Roger Wilson. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 25th May 2024 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council conferred the Freedom of the Borough to Mrs Gloria Hunniford OBE at an official ceremony held at its Civic Headquarters, The Palace Demesne, Armagh on Saturday 25 May 2024.ÊAlong with family and friends, Gloria Hunniford, the first female recipient, was awarded the prestigious honour in recognition for her outstanding contributions to broadcasting and her tireless charitable work.ÊKnown for her extensive career spanning over five decades in television and radio, Gloria has become a beloved figure in the British media landscape. Her work has touched the lives of millions, and her dedication to excellence and integrity in journalism has set a high standard for the industry.Gloria Hunniford is pictured with Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough,ÊAlderman Margaret Tinsley and Chief Executive Roger Wilson. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye (Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye/Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye )

Elected members, guests and cancer charities along with Ms Hunniford’s family looked on as she was presented with a scroll to commemorate the occasion.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Margaret Tinsley said they bestowed the honour with great pride “to celebrate Gloria’s connection to our community, combined with her professional achievements and the profound impact from supporting cancer patients and their families”.

Ms Hunniford said she was deeply honoured to receive the Freedom of the Borough where she grew up.

“County Armagh and Portadown, my home town, has always held a very special place in my heart, and to be recognised in this way is incredibly humbling – it’s great to be home,” she said.

“I want to thank the council for considering me for this honour and arranging today’s very special event with family and friends. I look forward to continuing my work and supporting the causes close to my heart.”