From Leeds to Áras an Uachtaráin: Catherine Connolly Becomes Ireland’s Head of State

Ireland Elects Catherine Connolly as 10th President: Leeds Graduate Takes Office

Catherine Connolly, a Leeds alumna, was recently elected as the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland after the national election on October 24th. Connolly earned a master’s in Clinical Psychology from Leeds in 1981. After that, she dedicated her career to public service, law and mental health. Following her graduation, she worked as a clinical psychologist and barrister. After that, she started her political career in 1999 and held a position as a Labour Councillor on the Galway City Council. Leading her way in politics, she became Mayor of Galway and since served as a representative for Galway West in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish Parliament.

In 2020, she became the very first woman to be elected to the ranks of Leas Cheann Comhairle, the Deputy Speaker in the Irish Parliament. Connolly ran as an independent candidate, receiving the backing of several leftist parties, and qualified by winning endorsements from over 20 members of the Dáil. As President of Ireland for a seven-year term, her role will encompass internal and external representation of the country, the responsibilities under the Constitution, and the delivery of addresses to the nation at important times-from Christmas to St. Patrick's Day. She will also host visiting dignitaries at Áras an Uachtaráin, the official presidential residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park.

Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of Leeds Uni, UK, said: "We are proud of what Connolly has achieved. Leeds University graduates have conclusively made an indelible imprint on public life, health, science, business, and the arts around the globe". She also reiterated that the university now counts both the President of Ireland and the Prime Minister of the UK among its alumni community.

This milestone would add to the growing list of University of Leeds alumni achievements further and reflect the focus and encouragement within higher education itself regarding the strong ties being built between the UK and Ireland. Studying at a university in the UK prepares students for positions in leadership roles throughout the world. Leeds University offers a long list of post-graduate and master's programs, including psychology, law, and public policy, which have shaped Connolly's career. The university also provides support for study abroad opportunities for Irish students in the UK, strengthening cultural and scholarly ties between the two countries. In celebrating this appointment, Leeds Uni UK is reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the leaders of the future who will continue to advance meaningful change in our politics, society, and globally.

Editor's Note

Catherine Connolly's appointment as President of Ireland is a proud moment for the University of Leeds, a SHAPEing example of how higher education can enfold global leadership. Her trajectory from postgraduate study at Leeds in Clinical Psychology to Ireland's highest office is a testament to the real-world impact of academic training when fused with public service and determination. This is, therefore, not only a personal feat for Connolly but also a testimony to the values and the reach of UK universities.  This important event exemplifies the close links of the University of Leeds with civic life in Ireland. It also brings into focus the important function that postgraduate education plays in such areas as psychology, law, and public policy-areas where Leeds still runs world-class programs. Connolly's career exemplifies that studying in a UK university gives graduates insight, integrity, and a sense of purpose-staples for any leader-to embark on careers in politics, health, or law. More than only symbolic for Leeds University, this appointment enhanced recognition of the role that Leeds plays in nurturing future leaders and strengthened its international reputation for the successful careers of international students. Alumni include not only the UK Prime Minister but also the Irish President, thus making Leeds University UK a true beacon of global influence and academic excellence.

Skoobuzz underlines that this magnificent appointment proves how Leeds University continues to produce leaders who will really make a difference in society, politics, and public life.

FAQs

1. Who is the Leeds University graduate elected as Ireland’s President?

Catherine Connolly, a graduate of Leeds University with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (1981), has been elected as the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland following the national election held on 24 October 2025.

2. What is Catherine Connolly’s connection to Leeds University?

Connolly studied at Leeds University, earning an MSc in Clinical Psychology. Her time at this UK university helped shape her early career in mental health and public service, laying the foundation for her later political leadership.

3. What roles has Catherine Connolly held before becoming President of Ireland?

 Before her presidency, Connolly worked as a clinical psychologist and barrister. She served as a Labour Councillor on Galway City Council, became Mayor of Galway in 2004, and has represented Galway West in Dáil Éireann since 2016. In 2020, she became the first woman elected as Deputy Speaker of the Irish Parliament.

4. How does studying at a UK university prepare graduates for leadership roles? 

UK universities like Leeds offer rigorous academic training, international exposure, and access to diverse professional networks. These experiences help graduates develop critical thinking, leadership, and public service skills, qualities that have supported Connolly’s rise to the presidency.

5. What is the role of the President of Ireland?

The President of Ireland serves as the country’s head of state for a seven-year term. Responsibilities include representing Ireland at home and abroad, ensuring the Constitution is upheld, addressing the nation on key occasions, and hosting dignitaries at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin.

6. How do Leeds University alumni contribute to international politics and society?

Leeds University alumni have made significant contributions across public life, including politics, health, science, and the arts. The university now counts both the President of Ireland and the UK Prime Minister among its alumni, reflecting its global impact.

7. What postgraduate and master’s courses are offered at Leeds University? 

Leeds University offers a wide range of postgraduate and master’s programmes, including Clinical Psychology, Law, Public Policy, and International Relations, fields that support careers in public service and leadership.

8. What is the relationship between UK and Ireland universities in higher education?

There are strong academic and cultural ties between UK and Ireland universities. Institutions like Leeds University support study abroad opportunities for Irish students, contributing to shared research, leadership development, and cross-border collaboration.

9. How does this appointment reflect on Leeds Uni UK’s global reputation? 

Catherine Connolly’s election as President of Ireland enhances Leeds University’s reputation as a global institution that nurtures leaders. It highlights the university’s commitment to shaping graduates who make meaningful contributions to society and governance.

10. What does this milestone mean for future students at Leeds University?

This achievement reinforces the value of a Leeds education and inspires current and future students to pursue leadership roles. It also showcases the university’s role in preparing individuals for impactful careers in politics, law, and public service.