Catherine Connolly’s journey from Shantalla in Galway, in a family with 13 siblings, to Áras an Uachtaráin has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to public service and community. Catherine is married to Brian and they he two adult sons. A proud Galwegian, she has called the Claddagh home since 1988.
Catherine earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Leeds in 1981, and in 1989 she earned a Law degree from the University of Galway and became a Barrister-at-Law in 1991. Catherine’s career has spanned both care and advocacy — beginning as a clinical psychologist and later practising as a barrister.
Her political career began in 1999 when she was elected to Galway City Council. Five years later, she became Mayor of Galway, leading the city she has always called home. In 2016, Catherine was elected as an Independent Teachta Dála for Galway West, a role in which she consistently championed equality, accountability, and the Irish language.
In the Dáil, she was a strong voice for cultural and linguistic heritage, chairing the Coiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge during both the 32nd and 34th Dáils. She also played a key role on the Public Accounts Committee during both of those terms.
In July 2020, Catherine was elected to the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the first woman ever to hold the post, hing been elected by peers from all sides of the House, and was admired by all for her impartiality and fairness in the role.
Catherine was elected as 10th President of Ireland on October 25th 2025.