![A special ceremony has been held at City Hall today to confer the Freedom of The City on six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7986bd_bbbdab62027d45409721a8c79a0aea47~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_723,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/7986bd_bbbdab62027d45409721a8c79a0aea47~mv2.jpg)
Six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann pictured with Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black at City Hall. All images: Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
A special ceremony has been held at City Hall today to confer the Freedom of The City on six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann.
The city's highest honour was bestowed on the young boy in recognition of his campaign to raise awareness around organ donation.
A circus top transformed the outside lawn at City Hall, alongside acrobatic characters, and children's entertainment to welcome invited guests.
![A special ceremony has been held at City Hall today to confer the Freedom of The City on six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7986bd_cf58c9a1cbf74b79ba6925cd080b0671~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_681,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/7986bd_cf58c9a1cbf74b79ba6925cd080b0671~mv2.jpg)
The Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black was delighted to lead the celebratory event and said:
"Dáithí is an exceptional and special little boy who has inspired and given hope to other young people waiting for a donor."
Dáithí was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning the left side of his heart did not form correctly and he has been on the list for a heart transplant for several years.
Dáithí and his family have lobbied for a change in the legislation in Northern Ireland and Dáithí's law successfully came into effect on Thursday 1 June.
![A special ceremony has been held at City Hall today to confer the Freedom of The City on six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7986bd_493a3114692c4ef9ad7c5e11a535f159~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_631,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/7986bd_493a3114692c4ef9ad7c5e11a535f159~mv2.jpg)
This means all adults will be considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group.
Councillor Black continued: "Dáithí is an inspiration being so brave, at such a young age, in undergoing several open-heart surgeries in recent years. It is fantastic that he is now being recognised for his tireless campaigning in raising awareness around organ donation, and his success at bringing about a change in legislation.
“The Freedom of the City on Dáithí showcases the immense pride we as a city have for him and I am both humbled and delighted to be here today to congratulate and celebrate with courageous Dáithí and his family.”
![A special ceremony has been held at City Hall today to confer the Freedom of The City on six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7986bd_12044256e7604f959213bfd838d99201~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_681,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/7986bd_12044256e7604f959213bfd838d99201~mv2.jpg)
Dáithí's father Máirtín Mac Gabhann said:
"Today is Dáithí's day - it is testament to his remarkable character and tremendous spirit.
“We are so delighted to have the support of this amazing city on this historic day. We are forever grateful.”
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