Mary Crilly says she is "blown away" by the honour of being granted the Freedom of the City at a ceremony at City Hall later this afternoon.
The director of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork revealed that 10,000 people have used the service over the last 40 years and says while she is very proud to accept the award, she is dedicating it to everyone who has used their services over the years.
Mary, who came to Cork in the 70's says she considers herself a Cork woman, and is very proud and grateful to the city for acknowledging that sexual violence happens everywhere in the world.
Speaking to RedFM News ahead of the ceremony Mary says she is extremely proud of how Cork has embraced her and the service she provides:
"I am so proud of a city that acknowledges something as horrific as sexual violence, that acknowledges it and says we don't like it but we know it's happening, and we're going to raise awareness about it. That's the way I see it."
