Leeds Students Meet President of Ireland on Campus Visit

President Catherine Connolly returns to Leeds University for official visit

Representatives from Leeds University Union (LUU) met with the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, during her recent visit to the University of Leeds. This marked President Connolly’s first return to Leeds since completing her MSc in Clinical Psychology in 1981 and was part of her first official visit to England since taking office as the 10th President of Ireland in November 2025.

Campus tour and engagement with student representatives

During her visit, President Connolly toured the university campus and engaged with staff members. She also met with student representatives from Leeds University Union, including Freya McCaughley, incoming President of the Irish Dancing Society, committee member Rosie O’Halon, and Matty Walsh, LUU’s Sports Lead.

Promoting Irish culture at Leeds University

The meeting provided an opportunity for student representatives to discuss their activities promoting Irish culture within the university community. Freya McCaughley described the experience as “a really lovely experience,” highlighting the chance to explain the work of the Irish Dancing Society and their efforts to share Irish culture across the campus.

Matty Walsh, who represents LUU’s sports interests and has Irish heritage, spoke about the significance of the meeting. He noted the President’s genuine interest in how students contribute to highlighting Irish culture locally and within the university. Walsh said:

“It was both an honour and a pleasure to meet the President and to speak with her about Irish influence in Leeds and within both university and local communities. Although the President had many formal engagements, it was clear she took a real interest in our students and their efforts to spotlight Irish culture in the diaspora.”

Student leadership and cultural engagement

Walsh also emphasised the role of student leaders in enriching the student experience through cultural activities, noting that their contributions were recognised at the highest level during the visit.

The visit by President Connolly reflects ongoing connections between Leeds University and Ireland, as well as the active role students play in fostering cultural exchange and community engagement.