Professor Caroline Magennis and Dr Sheila McCormick attended a reception at the Leeds Irish Centre on 20 May 2026, marking the inaugural visit to the UK by the President of Ireland, Her Excellency Catherine Connolly. Invited by the Ambassador of Ireland, Martin Fraser, and organised by the Consul General of Ireland for the North of England, Cillian O’Kelly, and the Consulate team, the reception brought together academic, cultural and community representatives from across the North of England and Scotland.
Alongside representatives of Irish community, cultural and sporting organisations from across the North of England and Scotland, Professor Magennis and Dr McCormick had the opportunity to hear the President speak movingly on the history of the Irish diaspora and working-class Irish life in Britain from the mid-twentieth century to the present. They were delighted to discuss that Dr McCormick shares a Galway heritage with President Connolly.
The invitation reflects the Consul General’s ongoing engagement with the University of Salford. Cillian O’Kelly has visited the university on a number of occasions in recognition of an Irish Studies Network which currently brings together colleagues from English, Performance, and Fashion, and was co-founded by Professor Magennis, Dr McCormick, Clare Neylon, and Deborah Smailes. At the reception, the team also met with community and cultural sector partners as the Network develops its programme of events and research activity.
Professor Magennis said that ‘It was an honour to meet with the President of Ireland alongside those in the diplomatic, cultural and charity sectors who work so hard for the community in the UK. Irish culture is so important to Salford and Greater Manchester, and it’s great that we have been so well supported at the University over the years to do this work.’
Dr McCormick said that ‘It was a great honour to hear the President of Ireland comment on the unique contribution the Irish have made and continue to make to British society.’
Colleagues across the university with research interests connecting to Irish heritage across the North of England and beyond are warmly invited to get in touch with Professor Magennis or Dr McCormick.
