Similar to her presidential campaign last autumn, President Connolly has listed the celebration of diversity, sustainable answers to climate change, and “peaceful resolutions to conflict and war” as some of the pressing issues that of our time.
She referenced our own difficult history of oppression, poverty and mass emigration, which “gives us a lived understanding of the brutal realities of dispossession, hunger and war”.
She asks the public to remember those who face a similar plight today, mentioning “the people of Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan” in particular.
“We hold in our thoughts the millions of people worldwide who are enduring the devastating impacts of interconnected crises of climate change, war, conflict, and displacement, the many families this Christmas who will sadly experience fear, uncertainty, or profound loss,” President Connolly said.
She paid tribute to those who so generously give their time to others over the festive period, particularly those who provide care to the vulnerable, sick, homeless and marginalised.
She also extended her “deep gratitude” to the Irish Defence Forces, “separated from their loved ones, safeguarding peace and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our shared global family, in regions far from our shores.”
Delivering her message bilingually, President Connolly said that she is mindful that Christmas is a time when we think of our family and friends, whether they be near or far, or dearly departed.
“Is am í an Nollaig a mbíonn muid ag smaoineamh ar ár gclanna agus ár gcairde, bíodh siad in aice linn nó i bhfad uainn, nó imithe romhainn ar Shlí na Fírinne ach fós linn inár gcroíthe.”
She wished those at home and abroad a “a very happy and joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year”, offering her warmest wishes to those who will be spending Christmas away from home, and said that she is immensely proud of their “achievements, your contributions across the world”.
Ms Connolly said that we have time to reflect on the year ahead, and the kind of world that we would like to have, and the kind of world that we would like to leave behind, to be inherited by our children.
“Am chun smaoineamh faoin mbliain amach romhainn agus an cineál domhain ar mhaith linn a bheith againn, an cineál domhain ar mhaith linn a fhágáil inár ndiaidh mar oidhreacht dár gcuid páistí.”
She says that with the hope of the days lengthening again in the wake of the winter solstice, so too are we reminded that “better days always lie ahead.”
“I wish each and every one of you a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with light, joy, and peace”
“Níl fúm anois ach Beannachtaí na Nollag a guidh oraibh ar fad agus sonas agus suaimhneas sa bhliain amach romhainn.”
President Connolly was elected as the tenth Uachtarán na hÉireann by vote on October 24, 2025 and was inaugurated on November 11.