Connolly sworn in as President, sets out vision for inclusive and community focused term
Catherine Connolly was officially inaugurated this afternoon at Dublin Castle, taking the constitutional oath, receiving the presidential seal, and addressing the nation with a pledge to serve the people of Ireland.
Her first official engagement in office will take place tomorrow in County Meath with a visit to Trim Family Resource Centre, the same community hub she visited during her campaign.
The ceremony, held in St Patrick’s Hall within the Castle’s State Apartments, was attended by government and judicial leaders, former Presidents, diplomatic representatives, and members of the public. Traditional honours, including a 21-gun salute, marked the occasion.
A notable feature of the inauguration was the chair used by President Connolly during the ceremony. It was designed and handcrafted by Ballivor-based artisan John Lee in 2011. Lee’s design replaced the previous vice-regal throne, with free-flowing arms inspired by the Irish phrase “Céad Míle Fáilte” (a hundred thousand welcomes). The chair is intended to symbolise openness and service, reflecting the ambassadorial role of the President rather than regality.
In her inauguration address, Connolly affirmed that she will be a “president who listens and reflects and who speaks when it is necessary.” She committed to being “a voice for peace, a voice that builds on our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change.”
A key element of Connolly’s vision is the revitalisation of the Irish language: she stated her intention to make Irish “a working language” at the Áras, saying “I will do my best to bring Irish in from the margins and use it.” She also emphasised that her presidency will be for all citizens — those who supported her, and those who did not. “Our whole mantra during this campaign was that we can shape a new republic together… a republic that values everybody, that values and champions diversity.”
Tomorrow’s engagement at Trim Family Resource Centre will see President Connolly meet with a broad range of community representatives, families, youth groups and social‑inclusion initiatives. Coordinator Justyna Doherty said the centre is “honoured and privileged” to host her first visit in office. “We are very excited to welcome President Connolly to the Trim Family Resource Centre tomorrow… she visited us during her campaign and was really interested in the work we do. She told us she would be back but we didn’t think it would be this soon!”
The visit underlines Connolly’s commitment to grassroots engagement and community support themes she highlighted in her speech and throughout the campaign.