President Connolly in Donegal for second official visit - Donegal News

THE President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, is in Donegal this week for her second official visit to the county.

She arrived today and her three-day trip has a particular focus on Donegal’s island and Gaeltacht communities.

Her itinerary includes visits to three of Donegal’s islands: Arranmore, Inis Bó Finne and Tory, as well as appearances at events in Rann na Feirste and Gaoth Dobhair.

Upon her arrival, President Connolly went to Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada in Arranmore, meeting staff and students from the island schools. She then stopped by An Chultúrlann before meeting members of the local community at Arranmore Community Centre.

Tomorrow, President Connolly will attend an event at Inis Bó Finne Community Hall, followed by visits to Tory Church, Scoil Cholmcille, and Coláiste Phobail Cholmcille. She will then call into Tory Island Social Club, which will be an opportunity for islanders to meet the President.

On Friday, President Connolly will visit Coláiste Bhríde in Rann na Feirste. Later, she will officially open the Dorn San Aer Festival in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair. The festival celebrates the cultural and linguistic richness of the Gaeltacht and was founded in memory of renowned broadcaster Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí.

During her last official visit in March, President Connolly spent two days visiting Killybegs, Lifford, Ardara and Letterkenny.

She officially opened the Atlantic InnoBlue Communities International Creative Jam in Killybegs and called into Cara House Family Resource Centre and Donegal Travellers Project in Letterkenny. She also spent time visiting the Ardara Community Childcare Centre.

Back in March, members of Letterkenny Active Retirement Association (LARA) had a chance meeting with President Connolly while having afternoon tea in the Radisson Blu Hotel.

They were warmly invited to visit President Connolly’s residence at Áras an Uachtarán in Phoenix Park, Dublin, and the group have made two enjoyable visits since.

President Connolly won last October’s presidential election, topping the poll in Donegal.

The Galway native received 33,286 votes out of the 50,810 votes cast in the county.

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription. Any time | Any place | Anywhere