About Catherine Connolly

Catherine Connolly’s journey from Shantalla in Galway, in a family of 14, to the heart of national politics has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to public service and community. Catherine is married to Brian and they have two adult sons. A proud Galwegian, she has called the Claddagh home since 1988. 

Catherine earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Leeds in 1981, and in 1989 she earned a Law degree from the University of Galway and became a Barrister-at-Law in 1991. Catherine’s career has spanned both care and advocacy — beginning as a clinical psychologist and later practising as a barrister.

Her political career began in 1999 when she was elected to Galway City Council. Five years later, she became Mayor of Galway, leading the city she has always called home. In 2016, Catherine was elected as an Independent Teachta Dála for Galway West, a role in which she has consistently championed equality, accountability, and the Irish language.

In the Dáil, she has been a strong voice for cultural and linguistic heritage, chairing the Coiste Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge during both the 32nd and 34th Dáils. She has also played a key role on the Public Accounts Committee, where she continues to serve today.

In July 2020, Catherine was elected to the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle under Article 15.9.1 of the Constitution of Ireland, the first woman ever to hold the post, having been elected by peers from all sides of the House, and was admired by all for her impartiality and fairness in the role.

On 11 July 2025, Catherine announced that she had secured the backing of her colleagues to stand in the 2025 presidential election, marking the next chapter in a career devoted to representing the people of Galway and Ireland with integrity and independence.

Catherine wants to be a President for all the people, especially for those often excluded and silenced. She wants to be a voice for equality and justice and for the defence of neutrality as an active, living tradition of peace-making, bridge-building, and compassionate diplomacy.