The CervicalCheck campaigner will be presented the award at a ceremony this evening.

Source: Independent.ie

Vicky Phelan has revealed that she is 'deeply honoured' to receive the Freedom of Limerick.

The Kilkenny woman is being recognised for her work in uncovering the CervicalCheck scandal by her 'adopted home' of Limerick.

Ms Phelan is also being awarded for her work in advocating for the rights of terminally ill people.

Vicky is the fifth woman to be awarded by the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick.

Her husband, son, parents and brother - who is home from New Zealand - will be among those attending the ceremony.

Vicky told Newstalk Breakfast:

"I am deeply honoured, to be quite honest, because I never realised there were so few women who went before me.

"So it's great to be another woman to add to that list - and please God there'll be more than that".

Ms Phelan also told listeners the unique perks of the award:

"I think I can walk a herd of sheep up O'Connell Street or something like that.

"That's pretty much it, I don't get much else out of it".

Speaking on RTÉ Morning Ireland, Vicky said the symbolism of the gesture means a lot to her.

"It’s nice to see they are awarding people for civic duties and for standing up and speaking on behalf of others who don’t have a voice."

The ceremony was due to take place in January, but was delayed because of a scroll holder.

"Apparently it's made from silver and they're kind of specially commissioned.

"So I'm very interested to see what that looks like."

The easing of Covid-19 restrictions has been a massive bonus for Vicky as she has been restricted to the number of people she can see prior to the change.

"I saw as many people as I could because I thought, 'Do you know what? If I’m going to get Covid, I’m going to get Covid, but I can’t not see my family because I don’t know if I’m going to see them again', and that’s my situation and my reality."

Ms Phelan also told Newstalk that she is feeling well at the moment and paid tribute to the work of her medical team.

"So I think kind of the minor adjustments we've made have made a huge difference to me.

"I've a little bit more energy during the day and I have a bit more of an appetite, because my appetite was a huge problem.

"I just wasn't able to eat really and I was losing a lot of weight - and I really can't afford to lose any more weight than I already have".