Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland has become the joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland with His Majesty King Charles III in a powerful expression of shared commitment to peace and friendship across the UK and Island of Ireland.
The announcement continues the tradition of the joint Head-of-State Patronage for Co-operation Ireland, first established in 1995 by Queen Elizabeth II and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. Since then, every serving President of Ireland has held the position of co-Patron whilst in office.
The President’s acceptance of the invitation signals the highest level of commitment to peace building and reconciliation across these islands.
The announcement follows Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland’s first, official three-day visit to the UK where she was received by King Charles III on May 18 at Buckingham Palace in London.
King Charles III graciously picked up the mantle of co-Patron following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and continues a partnership that has come to symbolise a deepening relationship between these islands and the spirit of reconciliation it is hoped will be sustained.
Speaking on behalf of Co-operation Ireland, Chairman, Sir Julian King, GCMG, KCVO, said:
“We are deeply honored to have Catherine Connolly; President of Ireland join King Charles III as co-Patron of our organisation. This marks the continued support at the highest level of our work that supports peace building, youth leadership, community, reconciliation, and cross-border co-operation and the values and vision that inspire it.
“It represents a powerful expression of shared commitment to peace and friendship and acts as a shining example of leadership at the highest level inspiring all our projects but, in particular, our youth focused initiatives such as the Future Leaders Programme, energising the next generation for years to come.”
Co-operation Ireland is a leading, non-political peace building organisation which has 45-years’ expertise in ‘fostering a shared and cohesive society across the island of Ireland.’