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President-elect of Ireland visits Belfast for Irish language event

News imageBBC Connolly has short grey hair and is smiling in the picture as she wears a black top and jacket.BBC
Catherine Connolly pictured at the Irish language event in Belfast on Wednesday

The president-elect of Ireland has made her first visit to Northern Ireland since her election at the weekend.

Catherine Connolly attended the official opening of Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Wednesday.

Connolly was elected as the president of Ireland after a landslide victory on Saturday.

She was keen to promote the Irish language during her election campaign and she has promised that Irish will be the working language in Áras an Uachtaráin during her presidency.

News imageCatherine Connolly stands among a crowd at the event with school children in front of her wearing a red uniform. She has short grey hair and is wearing black clothing. There is other adults surrounding her.
Oireachtas na Samhna is a five-day celebration of the arts and traditions of the Irish language

Oireachtas na Samhna is a five-day celebration of the arts and traditions of the Irish language, which is expected to attract up to 10,000 people.

The last time Belfast hosted the event was in 1997.

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