On a rainy, windswept day one of Ireland's most famous sons, Bob Geldof, received a singular honour - the freedom of Dublin city.
Sitting among the guests at the ceremony were three of his daughters, Tiger Lilly, Fifi Trixibelle and Peaches, as well as long-term love Jeanne Marine and the singer-turned-activist's 91-year-old dad, Bob Senior. Peaches spoke for all the family when she declared: "We are proud kids, it's very cool."
The gloomy weather did nothing to dampen the clan's delight over the tribute, which Peaches said "actually means something".
The anti-poverty campaigner - who is of course something of a dab hand at orchestrating large scale public events - had warned organisers over the likelihood of downpour, saying "for God's sake don't hold it on a Sunday in March".
Although they defied his advice, the ex-Boomtown Rat was still in a buoyant mood. "It's raining and it's cold but it's a beautiful day and I can't think of a more beautiful day or more beautiful city to hold this in than Dublin," he told 300 well-wishers, who'd braved the elements to watch the proceedings.
Bob also said he's ready to graze his 15 sheep on St Stephen's Green, one of the privileges that comes with the award. The 54-year-old singer keeps a flock of the animals at his Kent country mansion.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
