We all have a Langton’s story.
If you’re from Kilkenny you’ll have plenty and if you stopped by the county you surely frequented one of the businesses and experienced the hospitality the family’s been famous for, worldwide, for generations.
Ned and Bridie began the John Street offering in 1938 with son Eamon taking up the baton in 1975 extending the offering and property portfolio.
Last night, one of his award-winning venues, Set Theatre, hosted a special meeting of Kilkenny Municipal District where Mayor John Coonan outlined why he proposed Eamon for the Freedom of the city of Kilkenny, summing up his contribution to the local economy, culture and more;
Mayor John Coonan outlining why he proposed Eamon Langton for Freedom of Kilkenny honour @LangtonsKK pic.twitter.com/2DtjieErKS
— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) June 9, 2026
Cllr Andrew McGuinness seconded the motion;
Cllr Andrew McGuinness seconded the proposal for Freesom of Kilkenny to be bestowed upon Eamon Langton @LangtonsKK pic.twitter.com/cVZh5b0C8r
— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) June 9, 2026
Agreement was required from all seven of the city councillors and, for once, they were all in agreement!
During proceedings, CEO of Kilkenny County Council Lar Power told of his own and others’ Langton stories;
CEO of Kilkenny County Council Lar Power tells of his own experiences with @LangtonsKK at Eamon Langton’s Freedom of Kilkenny ceremony pic.twitter.com/qx3l6dBhAO
— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) June 9, 2026
After this, the Mayor presented Eamon with the Freedom Certificate and asked him to sign the Roll of Freemen;
Eamon Langton signs the Roll of Freemen as he’s honoured with the Freedom of the city of Kilkenny @LangtonsKK pic.twitter.com/5TfRAI2X5g
— Edwina Grace/Éadaoin de Grás (@edwinagrace) June 9, 2026
And with many wondering what the perks a Freeman can enjoy, the title’s merely an honorary one. But there is a tongue-in-cheek reference by many to being able to parade sheep on streets and as a nod to that, Nore Valley Park brought a guest to the party for a brief appearance;
KCLR News’ Edwina Grace was at the event and spoke to some of Family Langton, beginning with the main main himself;
Langton’s is a familiar spot to anybody with GAA affiliations and no more so than for two of our existing Freemen, Eddie Keher and Brian Cody, who outlined to Edwina their delight at welcoming Eamon into the Freeman fold;
The event was organised by Kilkenny County Council – CEO Lar Power, Director of Services Tim Butler, Mayor John Coonan and former representatives Mick Lanigan and Martin Brett also spoke to our Edwina;
