Freedom of the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh given to 99-year-old RAF Veteran Thomas Doherty
A 99-year-old RAF veteran said yesterday he was "really overwhelmed" at the scale of an event organised at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to award him the freedom of the city.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) bestowed the honour on Thomas Doherty in a tradition that dates back to the 13th century.
It is the highest civic honour that can be awarded by a council.
Born in Belfast in January 1927, Mr Doherty is one of the oldest veterans in the borough.
The award was in recognition of a lifetime of service – from the RAF in the 1940s, to his continued dedication to his community and charitable causes.
The council chamber was packed with his family and dignitaries for the ceremony, including those from the RAF, PSNI, emergency services, veterans in uniform and the King’s representative, Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim, David McCorkell.
Tommy grew up in east Belfast and experienced first hand the impact of the Blitz when his family home was damaged.
He later joined the RAF, where he became a corporal, driving aircrew, equipment and vital supplies for the mechanical transport section across Northern Ireland, England, Singapore and Malaysia.
Returning home, he settled in Castlereagh with his beloved wife, Edna where they raised three children.
A passionate gardener, Tommy became a well-known figure in the Temple area near Lisburn, where he led the ‘Temple in Bloom’ initiative.
He also raises significant funds for local charities including the Royal British Legion.
Tommy is also ever present at civic events in his blazer and RAF cap, including Remembrance Sunday.
“It was just above my head,” Tommy told the News Letter after the award was bestowed.
He found it very difficult take in the number of people attending and the grandeur of the event.
“But I am very very proud that this has happened to me.”
He added: “I am really overwhelmed with this turnout for me. I am very pleased.”
His wife of almost 80 years, Edna, passed away two years ago, but he carries a photo of her everywhere. The couple first met when they were at school.
Asked the secret to a long life is, he replied: “A good wife. If man and woman don't get on there is no point having a life.”
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, alderman Amanda Grehan, said it was “a true privilege” to award Tommy the honour.
“Tommy’s life is one of extraordinary service, resilience and generosity,” she said. “From his contribution during wartime, to his unwavering support for veterans and his continued dedication to his local community, he represents the very best of Lisburn and Castlereagh.
“Even at 99 years of age, Tommy continues to inspire us all with his kindness and commitment to helping others.”
Speaking at the reception dinner afterwards, the Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim passed on a special message from King Charles.
He said the monarch was “touched to learn of your long standing commitment to Lisburn and your contribution to your community's heritage, and I have been asked to express the King's sincere thanks to you for your service to our country”.