Michael D Higgins Honored as He Visits Galway After Leaving Aras an Uachtarain
Michael D. Higgins made his first public appearance since completing his fourteen-year tenure as President of Ireland. The former president returned to his hometown of Galway after leaving Áras an Úachtaráin earlier this month.
Return to Galway and Dining at Thai Garden
Higgins was spotted enjoying a meal at the Thai Garden restaurant in Spanish Arch, Galway. He and his wife, Sabina, received a warm welcome, with the restaurant expressing their delight on social media.
- Michael D. Higgins and Sabina were greeted by restaurant staff.
- Thai Garden shared, “Welcome home, Gaillimh Abú,” on their Facebook page.
Catherine Connolly’s Inauguration
Earlier in November, Higgins attended the inauguration of Catherine Connolly, who succeeded him after winning the presidential election in October. The ceremony took place at Dublin Castle.
Legacy of Michael D. Higgins
Higgins’s presidency is marked by significant milestones. He was the first president to visit Queen Elizabeth II in 2014 and gave a notable speech at Westminster. During his time in office, he oversaw pivotal referenda, including:
- The marriage equality referendum
- The repeal of the 8th amendment
Higgins first ran for office as a Labour candidate in the 2011 election and was re-elected as an Independent in 2018 with a substantial margin.
Challenges During Leadership
His second term included steering the country through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, his endearing moments with his dogs, Bród, Síoda, and Misneach, gained significant public attention.
Michael D. Higgins’s contributions and presence in Galway echo the lasting impact he has had on Irish society during his presidency.
