RIP: 'Truly grateful' - Langton after receiving Freedom of Kilkenny City earlier this year

As the local business community and wider public mourn the death of Eamonn Langton, people are reflecting on the immeasurable positive impact he had on the city and county.

That legacy was acknowledged earlier this year as after five decades of service, the late businessman was granted the Freedom of Kilkenny City for his immeasurable contribution to the Marble City at a special ceremony in the Set Theatre in June.

Kilkenny People article published in June 2026 - The prestigious title was in recognition of Mr Langton’s outstanding contribution to Kilkenny life in the areas of hospitality, cultural life, and community.

Previous recipients have included distinguished figures from the worlds of public service, sport and the arts, making this a very unique honour.

Through Langton’s, he has helped put Kilkenny on the map as a welcoming, lively, and creative place to live and visit.

The event was attended by elected representatives, family, friends, and special guests from across the city and county.

Mr Langton on receiving the Freedom of the City said: “To receive the Freedom of the City is a huge personal honour for myself. As a proud Kilkenny man, it ranks as one of the greatest achievements of my life.”

The iconic businessman said he was “truly grateful” and “deeply humbled” by the accolade, thanking his family and the people of Kilkenny.

“Eamonn joins a highly exclusive group of Freemen, taking his rightful place alongside former presidents and legendary figures such as Eamon DeValera, Mary McAleese, Lady Desart, Brian Cody, and Eddie Keher,” Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr John Coonan told those gathered.

“We honour a man whose vision helped shape the modern city, whose generosity played a pivotal role in our cultural and sporting life, and whose loyalty to Kilkenny has never, ever faltered.”

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