Copyright thejournal
We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories President Michael D. Higgins receives President Elect Catherine Connolly in Áras an UachtaráinMaxwell’s Áras An Uachtaráin President Higgins hosts Catherine Connolly in the Áras ahead of her inauguration next week President Higgins and his wife Sabina met with Catherine Connolly this afternoon at the Áras. 2.02pm, 5 Nov 2025 Share options PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has hosted Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of her inauguration as the tenth President of Ireland next week. President Higgins wished Connolly “health and happiness” as he welcomed her to the Áras. He and his wife Sabina met with Connolly this afternoon at the Áras, as well as her husband Brian McEnery, her son Stephen and members of her team, including campaign manager Beibhinn O’Connor. The members of the Connolly McEnery family signed a visitor’s book in the Aras. Catherine Connolly and husband Brian McEnery sign the visitors’ bookBrian Lawless / PA Brian Lawless / PA / PA President Higgins and his wife Sabina greeted Connolly and her husband with hugs and handshakes. The President congratulated his successor on a “great achievement” as they exchanged words in English and Irish in front of news cameras. Connolly enjoyed a landslide victory over Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys in last month’s presidential election. President Elect Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery at Áras an UachtaráinTONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL The pair have a somewhat complicated history after Ms Connolly left the Labour Party when it opted to run just one candidate in the Galway West constituency for the 2007 general election, where Mr Higgins was a sitting TD. However, the reception this afternoon was warm and marked with smiles and laughter. Advertisement President Higgins will remain in his office until midnight on Monday, 10 November, The Irish constitution stipulates that the incoming president must be inaugurated the day after the outgoing president’s term ends. As a result, Connolly will be officially inaugurated as the 10th Uachtarán na hÉireann on Tuesday 11 November. President Higgins with President Elect Catherine Connolly in Áras an UachtaráinTONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL Although no official venue is stated in the constitution, all previous ceremonies have taken place in St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle. During the ceremony, the incoming president takes the oath of office below the Irish flag. President Higgins and Sabina with President Elect Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery in Áras an UachtaráinTONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL Every president to date has chosen to take this oath in Irish and Connolly is expected to do the same, especially since she has stated that Irish will be the official working language during her presidency. After she recites the oath, Connolly will then sign the declaration and deliver her first address as Uachtarán na hÉireann. The chief justice Donal O’Donell will then present her with the presidential seal. A presidential term is seven years long, with each office holder being allowed to serve a maximum of two terms, should they successfully seek re-election. Connolly has said she does not see herself seeking a second term – although her predecessor made similar comments before running again. -With additional reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Diarmuid Pepper View 10 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “President Higgins hosts Catherine Connolly in the Áras ahead of her inauguration next week”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “President Higgins hosts Catherine Connolly in the Áras ahead of her inauguration next week”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Áras An Uachtaráin Catherine Connolly president michael d higgins News in 60 seconds New York City Mamdani ran a campaign that appealed to average New Yorkers and terrified the city's elite la rochelle Ten wounded, including four seriously, after car rams into pedestrians and cyclists in France All Irish poultry subject to Covid-style lockdowns from Monday in bid to contain bird flu Dublin's Christmas lights put up around the city 45 mins ago People Before Profit ‘Good to be back’: Richard Boyd Barrett returns to Dáil and urges action on cancer services political campaigns Keeping it local: Why Catherine Connolly's and Zohran Mamdani's campaigns looked alike Shortlisted The Journal nominated for two awards in All-Ireland Podcast Awards The Last Word Matt Cooper learns on-air that TD Niall Collins also received media training from Ivan Yates stunning victory Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani elected as New York City's youngest mayor in over a century Circuit Criminal Court Couple who fraudulently claimed over €114,000 in social welfare payments jailed for 18 months Mystery solved in Co Clare after ‘lion like’ animal turns out to be ‘dog with a fresh haircut’ more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
