Chief Justice and other Superior Courts judiciary attend Presidential Declaration

On 11 November 2025, the inauguration of Catherine Connolly as Uachtarán na hÉireann (President of Ireland) took place in St Patrick’s Hall of Dublin Castle.  The inauguration of the President of Ireland is prescribed by Article 12.8 of the Bunreacht na hÉireann (Constitution of Ireland).  Article 12.8 states that the incoming President must make a public declaration in the presence of the Chief Justice, members of both Houses of the Oireachtas, of Judges of the Superior Courts, and other public persons.

President Catherine Connolly making her inaugural address at St. Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle

President Connolly made the following declaration, administered by the Chief Justice, in the Irish language as set out in Article 12.8:

"I láthair Dia na nUilechumhacht, táimse á ghealladh agus á dhearbhú go sollúnta is go fírinneach bheith i mo thaca agus i mo dhídin do Bhunreacht Éireann, agus a dlíthe a chaomhnú, mo dhualgais a chomhlíonadh go dílis coinsiasach de réir an Bhunreachta is an dlí, agus mo lándícheall a dhéanamh ar son leasa is fónaimh mhuintir na hÉireann. Dia do mo stiúradh agus do mo chumhdach."

"In the presence of Almighty God I do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will maintain the Constitution of Ireland and uphold its laws, that I will fulfil my duties faithfully and conscientiously in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Ireland. May God direct and sustain me."

The Chief Justice presented President Connolly with the official Presidential Seal before she made her inaugural address. 

President Catherine Connolly and Chief Justice O'Donnell