The visit marks a significant milestone, as it is among President Connolly’s first official engagements in the North of Ireland since her election to office.
During the visit, the Mayor accompanied the President on a tour of the Guildhall, showcasing the building’s unique architecture and its central role in the history of the city, as well as housing the John Hume Peace Medals.
As a gesture of friendship and appreciation from the people of the City and District, the Mayor presented the President with an image of the iconic Peace Bridge.
Speaking at the reception, the Mayor expressed great personal pride in hosting the President. He said: “As Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, it is my great honour and privilege to welcome Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Catherine Connolly, on this truly significant occasion. Her visit to Derry is of profound importance to us all and marks a moment of great pride for this community.
“On a personal note, it was a huge privilege for me to meet with the President today, to share the history of our beautiful Guildhall with her, and to introduce her to the heartbeat of our region, the people who drive our business, community, and voluntary sectors.
“President Connolly has a long and distinguished record of public service, defined by sincerity, integrity, and a tireless commitment to equality and social justice. Her election success reflects a shared belief in the values that bind the people of this island together. We are sincerely grateful that she chose to spend time with us so early in her term.”
Mayor McHugh said the event provided a platform for the President to meet with a wide cross-section of local society. Representatives from the business community, alongside leaders from the voluntary and community sectors, were introduced to the President, to showcase the excellent work they are doing and highlighting the resilient and collaborative spirit that exists in the Derry City and Strabane District Council region.
1. Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly visit to Derry. Irish President Catherine Connolly and the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Ruairí McHugh overlooking Derry’s Peace Bridge. Photo Lorcan Doherty
President Connolly and Mayor McHugh. Photo Lorcan Doherty. Photo: ©Lorcan Doherty
2. Irish President Catherine Connolly greeted by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, on her arrival at the Guildhall. Photo Lorcan Doherty
Irish President Catherine Connolly greeted by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, on her arrival at the Guildhall. Photo Lorcan Doherty Photo: ©Lorcan Doherty
3. Irish President Catherine Connolly with the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Ruairí McHugh and family members. Included are Mary McHugh, Geraldine McHugh, Cassie McSorley, Gerard McSorley, Ruairi Quinn, Oisin Quinn, Shauna McGill and Sara Loughlin.
Irish President Catherine Connolly with the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Ruairí McHugh and family members. Included are Mary McHugh, Geraldine McHugh, Cassie McSorley, Gerard McSorley, Ruairi Quinn, Oisin Quinn, Shauna McGill and Sara Loughlin. Photo Lorcan Doherty Photo: ©Lorcan Doherty
4. Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly visit to Derry. Irish President Catherine and the Mayor of Derry, and Strabane Councillor Ruairí McHugh view the Peace prizes won by the late John Hume (Ghandi, Nobel and Martin Luther King prizes) on display in the Guildhall. Photo Lorcan Doherty
Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly visit to Derry. Irish President Catherine and the Mayor of Derry, and Strabane Councillor Ruairí McHugh view the Peace prizes won by the late John Hume (Ghandi, Nobel and Martin Luther King prizes) on display in the Guildhall. Photo Lorcan Doherty Photo: ©Lorcan Doherty