PRESIDENT CATHERINE CONNOLLY has delivered her first St Patrick’s Day message since her inauguration as tenth president of Ireland.

In the speech, which Connolly delivered through English and as Gaelige, the President highlighting St Patrick’s roots as a migrant who made his home in Ireland after he was trafficked.

“Whether we are Irish by birth or indeed by choice, today is an occasion when Irish communities around the world celebrate their shared love of all things Irish – our culture, heritage, identity and of course our beautiful language, Gaeilge,” Connolly, a Gaeilgeoir, said.

She spoke about the Irish diaspora and Irish communities that have made their home in countries around the world.

“As we recall the life of Patrick, we invoke his spirit and acknowledge our shared responsibilities as global citizens. We stand in solidarity with those who find themselves in vulnerable and dangerous circumstances,” Connolly continued. 

“Patrick’s story invites us to respond with hospitality and kindness to those suffering the consequences of war and displacement, those fleeing their countries because of persecution or violence.

“The normalisation of war can never be accepted. Now, more than ever, we must renew our commitment to peace and diplomacy in line with the principles of international law as set out in the United Nations Charter,” the President said.

“We are a people who have travelled our own path to peace in dealing with bitter conflict and its legacy.

“We understand that peace is not merely the absence of war but also the presence of justice.”

She concluded her message by wishing viewers and listeners a happy St Patrick’s Day. 

It is the second politically-charged message released by the President since her inauguration in November 2025. Earlier this month, she said the war in the Middle East constitutes “deliberate assaults on international law” and affirmed Ireland’s constitutional commitment to peace.

While many welcomed her publicly-taken stance against the war in Iran, she also faced pushback from Government, which said it has executive responsibility for foreign affairs.