Irish President Catherine Connolly returned to the University of Leeds for the first time since she graduated, as part of her first official visit to England.
Catherine Connolly graduated in 1981 with an MSc in Clinical Psychology, going on to work as a clinical psychologist then barrister, before embarking on a political career.
Last November she was inaugurated as the 10th President of Ireland following a landslide election.
This week, President Connolly made her first official visit to England, visiting London where she met King Charles, and then on to Leeds.
She was welcomed to the University of Leeds today by Alastair Da Costa CBE, Chair of the University’s Council, its governing body, and Professor Kenneth McDowall, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Student Education and Experience.
The University remains at the very heart of the development of both the city and broader West Yorkshire region.
The President also met students Freya McCaughley, incoming president of the University students’ union Irish Dance Society, and committee member Rosie O’Hanlon, as well as Leeds University Union Sport Lead Matty Walsh, who is setting up a Gaelic Football Society.
She also had the opportunity to view items from the University Library’s Cultural Collections, including a rare first edition of Dracula and a letter by its Irish author Bram Stoker; a copy of Seamus Heaney’s ‘Station Island’ with the poet’s own handwritten revisions, and some Bronte manuscripts - the famous writers' father was born in County Down.
Alastair Da Costa said: “The President’s election was a proud moment for our global alumni community and further reflects the impact Leeds graduates have around the world.
“We are honoured to welcome her back to the University of Leeds, almost 45 years since she studied here.
“Her remarkable career, from clinical psychology and law to elected office and national leadership, is an inspiring example of public service.
“We look forward to strengthening the enduring links between Leeds, Ireland and our international alumni network.”
Commitment to engage
The President’s full itinerary included a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Monday and a reception hosted by the Irish ambassador to Britain Martin Fraser, who also visited the University on Wednesday.
Her engagements emphasised a commitment made during her inauguration, when she spoke about engaging with the Irish diaspora.
While in London she visited the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith and the London Irish Centre in Camden, and her three-day trip concluded with a trip to the Leeds Irish Centre.
Irish President Catherine Connolly said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to conclude my first Official Visit to Great Britain as President of Ireland in Leeds.
“The links between Ireland and the north of England are incredibly strong and generations of Irish people have made Leeds and other cities across the region their home.
“I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to return to the University of Leeds, where I studied in the early 1980s, and to see that the University remains at the very heart of the development of both the city and broader West Yorkshire region."
Inspiration to students
Freya added: “It was a really lovely experience meeting the Irish President today. It gave us the opportunity to explain what we do at Irish dancing here in Leeds and how we try to spread Irish culture throughout the University too.”
Professor McDowall added: “President Connolly’s return to the University of Leeds is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a Leeds education can have.
“Our students bring curiosity, ambition and a willingness to engage with the wider world, qualities that are reflected in the many paths our graduates go on to take.
“President Connolly’s achievements will be an inspiration to our current students, showing how the knowledge, confidence and perspectives developed here can help shape public life far beyond the University.”
Further information
Picture credit: Simon Lewis, Simon and Simon photography.
For more information, please contact Becky Pascoe in the University of Leeds press office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk