President Catherine Connolly Begins UK Visit, Meets Irish Community in London

President Catherine Connolly began her first official visit to Britain by visiting the Irish Cultural Centre (ICC) in Hammersmith, London, on November 10. This marks her second foreign trip since becoming President last November. She is expected to meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Accompanied by her husband Brian McEnery and Ambassador Martin Fraser, President Connolly arrived at 10 am. She met members of the local Irish community and Irish language advocates, emphasizing the need to «embrace other cultures» and acknowledging Ireland’s housing crisis as a factor in emigration. She noted historical and contemporary reasons for Irish people leaving, including lack of housing.

The President enjoyed a performance by Scoil Rince Céim Óir, featuring young Irish dancers, including 11-year-old world-title holder Fiadh Fitzgerald and 6-year-old Amelia Morgan. She gave a standing ovation. Connolly, a native of Galway, also joked about not wearing her glasses. She departed around 11:30 am for further engagements.