President Catherine Connolly and her husband, Brian McEnery, at Áras an Uachtaráin on Wednesday, flanked by Danish ambassador Lars Thuesen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee. Photograph: Dara Mac DónaillAn address due to be delivered to diplomats by President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin on Wednesday was cancelled after her husband, Brian McEnery, took ill. The President was due to address ambassadors and consular representatives of countries that have diplomatic relations with Ireland. The President had been due to address them following the receiving line, but her speech was instead circulated to attendees. The President also referenced the “appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza, where there is not enough food, adequate shelter or sufficient healthcare access”.

Source: The Irish Times January 21, 2026 17:21 UTC