New Irish President Catherine Connolly Celebrates Inauguration in Belfast

Catherine Connolly was officially inaugurated as the new President of Ireland during a ceremony at the Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast today. The event marked her first public appearance since taking office and highlighted her commitment to promoting the Irish language and culture.

Connolly, an independent member of the Dáil representing Galway West, attended the formal opening as the chair of the Joint Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht, and the Gaeltacht Community. She will spend her first night at Áras an Uachtaráin following the inauguration, which took place on November 11, 2023.

At the event in Belfast’s Cois Cuain Centre, Connolly was surrounded by festival attendees who congratulated her on her new role. Many expressed excitement about the opportunities her presidency could bring for the Irish language and its speakers.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, noted that he had recently discussed legislative matters with Connolly. “We are currently debating the Gaeltacht Authority Bill,” Calleary said. “You may be the one signing this Bill into law by the end of the year—congratulations to you.” The Minister praised Connolly for making the Irish language central to her campaign.

As the celebrations continued, a musical group performed lively tunes, sparking a desire to dance among the attendees. While there was no space for dancing due to the crowd, the joyful atmosphere reflected the community’s support for their new head of state.

The Oireachtas events in Belfast will continue through Sunday, with a full schedule of activities available on their website. The Irish language will serve as a working language in Áras an Uachtaráin during Connolly’s tenure, reinforcing her dedication to cultural preservation.

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