Freedom of Roscommon ‘a deeply humbling honour’ for Sean Mulryan

The Freedom of Roscommon was conferred earlier this afternoon (Tuesday) on one of the county’s most successful businessman, Oran native Sean Mulryan, who described the recognition as a “deeply humbling honour”.

Mr Mulryan, founder of property company Ballymore, told the gathering at the ceremony at Áras an Chontae that “Roscommon is not just where I come from - it is home, and it will always be home. The values, work ethic and sense of community I learned here have shaped every part of my life and have guided me throughout my journey in business and beyond.” 

Accompanied by his wife Bernadine, family, friends and colleagues from Ballymore, Mr Mulryan was presented with the recognition by the Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan accompanied by the chief executive of the local authority, Sean Tiernan.

Mr Mulryan becomes only the 9th recipient following in the footsteps of boxers Aoife O’Rourke and Lisa O’Rourke, artist Brian O’Doherty, businessman and founder of Strokestown Park Famine Museum Jim Callery, actor Chris O’Dowd, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and her husband former Senator Martin McAleese, internationally acclaimed musician Brendan Shine and legendary Roscommon footballer, Dermot Earley.

Founded in 1982, Ballymore is one of the largest property companies in Europe. To date the company has built 20,000 homes in Britain and a further 15,000 in Ireland. It employs over 700 people and has delivered more than five million square feet of office and retail space.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan paid tribute to Mr Mulryan for his years of delivery in the construction sector. “We gather to recognise Sean Mulryan – who represents the very best of Roscommon: ambition matched with humility, success matched with generosity, and achievement grounded firmly in community,” said the Cathaoirleach.

“Sean’s story is deeply rooted in Roscommon. From his early days training as a bricklayer and stonemason—where he honed both his craft and discipline—to co-founding Ballymore with Bernardine in 1982, his journey is defined by determination, courage, and an unwavering belief in what could be achieved.” 

Chief executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said granting the Freedom of Roscommon was a very special accolade, conferred on a person who has delivered in an exceptional fashion to the well-being of the county and its people.

“Sean Mulryan’s career is a powerful example of entrepreneurship in action. From his early beginnings here in Roscommon to building a leading international development company of international scale and influence.

“Sean has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community life. His support for sport, education, healthcare, and the arts reflects a belief that success carries with it a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society. Today recognises not only a distinguished career, but also the values that underpin it — vision, leadership, innovation, and generosity,” Mr Tiernan concluded.

Addressing management and members of Roscommon County Council, Mr Mulryan said he was honoured to receive the award, which was unanimously agreed by members of the local authority at their plenary meeting in April.

"Roscommon is not just where I come from - it is home, and it will always be home. The values, work ethic and sense of community I learned here have shaped every part of my life and have guided me throughout my journey in business and beyond.

“No matter where life has taken me, Roscommon has remained close to my heart. To be recognised by the people of my native county with the Freedom of County Roscommon is a deeply humbling honour, one that means more to me than I can properly express and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Following the formal granting of the Freedom of Roscommon, Mr Mulryan then signed the distinguished Roll of Honour in the presence of the Cathaoirleach, elected members and Chief Executive.