University of Leeds Alumna Catherine Connolly Becomes First Woman Deputy Speaker to Rise to Irish Presidency

University of Leeds Alumna Catherine Connolly Becomes First Woman Deputy Speaker to Rise to Irish Presidency

(IN BRIEF) University of Leeds graduate Catherine Connolly has been elected as the 10th President of Ireland, following the national vote on 24 October. A 1981 MSc Clinical Psychology alumna, Connolly brings decades of experience as a psychologist, barrister, and politician. She began her public service career on Galway City Council in 1999, served as Mayor of Galway in 2004, and has represented Galway West in Dáil Éireann since 2016. In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as Deputy Speaker of the Irish Parliament. As President, Connolly will serve a seven-year term, representing Ireland on the world stage and presiding over constitutional and ceremonial duties. University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West congratulated her, noting the University’s pride in its alumni who hold leadership roles worldwide.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEEDS, 27-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Leeds alumna Catherine Connolly has been elected as the 10th President of Ireland, marking a historic milestone in Irish politics and adding another distinguished world leader to the University’s global alumni community. Connolly, who earned her MSc in Clinical Psychology from Leeds in 1981, will officially take office following her victory in the national election held on 24 October.

Connolly’s career has spanned psychology, law, and public service. After working as a clinical psychologist and barrister, she began her political career as a Labour Councillor on Galway City Council in 1999, later serving as Mayor of Galway in 2004. She has represented Galway West in Dáil Éireann since 2016 and made history again in 2020 as the first woman elected Deputy Speaker (Leas Cheann Comhairle) of Ireland’s lower house of parliament.

Running as an independent candidate, Connolly received strong support from Ireland’s major left-wing parties. She secured her presidential nomination through the endorsement of more than 20 members of the Dáil. As President, Connolly will serve a seven-year term, representing Ireland both domestically and internationally, ensuring adherence to the constitution, and playing a key role in national life — from hosting visiting dignitaries at Áras an Uachtaráin to delivering addresses to the nation during major events such as Christmas and St Patrick’s Day.

Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, congratulated Connolly on her achievement:

“Our graduates make significant contributions to public life, health, business, science, and the arts around the world. Several have also become successful leaders on the global stage. We are proud that our alumni community can now count another serving president within their ranks, as well as the UK Prime Minister.”

Connolly’s election continues the University of Leeds’ long-standing tradition of producing graduates who make meaningful global impact across governance, public service, and social reform.

Media Contact:
pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Leeds