A motion to grant the Freedom of the Borough to former Northern Ireland captain and Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has been referred to committee by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The motion, brought forward by Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Bateson and seconded by Councillor Leanne Peacock, was presented at the June council meeting. It calls for formal recognition of O’Neill’s sporting achievements, including the installation of a commemorative plaque in his native Kilrea.

The proposal notes O’Neill’s playing career, which included two European Cup wins with Nottingham Forest and captaining his country at the 1982 World Cup, as well as managerial success at Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa. It highlights his recent return to Celtic, where he won the Scottish Premiership title at age 74.

Council members agreed to send the matter to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for consideration at a future meeting. A separate proposal to award the Freedom of the Borough to Coleraine FC after their Irish Cup win will be debated at a special council meeting.