On 11 November, HAI Operations Manager Niamh Clowry represented Irish Humanists at the Presidential Inauguration of Catherine Connolly in Dublin Castle, where she delivered a Humanist reflection as part of the official ceremony.

This marks the third consecutive presidential inauguration to include a Humanist contribution, and a meaningful milestone for the recognition and inclusion of secular voices in Ireland’s national events.

“On behalf of Humanists throughout Ireland, we are honoured to participate in the inauguration of our President Catherine Connolly. 

Humanists believe in the intrinsic value of every person, and in their right to live a life of dignity and to participate fully in society.  We are grateful to live in a country that values freedom of speech, opinion and religion. 

The President’s vision to be a unifying presence is one that we share. Someone who speaks for peace, not just abroad, but at home – in how we treat one another, in how we care for the most vulnerable, in how we make space for disagreement without division.

 Today, we commit ourselves, both individually and collectively, to the President’s vision.

 And we commit ourselves to supporting our President on her journey of considered, compassionate, thought-provoking, leadership. We hope that her time in office will continue to build our country towards a future of equality, participation, inclusion, imagination, creativity, and sustainability.”

Niamh Clowry, Operations Manager, Humanist Association of Ireland

And you can watch the entire inauguration over on the RTÉ Player here