We have gotten to know a lot about President Catherine Connolly over the last few months, but there is someone else that the nation needs to become acquainted with.
Catherine’s devoted husband Brian McEnery has moved into Áras an Uachtaráin alongside the Galway woman after her high-profile inauguration in November.
In January, Catherine had to cancel some events after Brian fell ill while they were hosting a Diplomatic Corps event. So, who is the country’s new first gentleman, the man who has been married to the newly elected President of Ireland for over three decades?
Starting a family
Catherine Connolly and her family at Dublin Castle on Saturday. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Brian has long been Catherine’s biggest supporter, since the pair got married 33 years ago. The couple has kept their relationship relatively private since they tied the knot in 1992.
The father-of-two was born in Ennis, County Clare, but moved to his wife’s native Galway in 1988. The couple welcomed two sons together, though they prefer to remain out of the spotlight.
Catherine Connolly arriving at Dublin Castle with her husband and sons on Saturday. Pic: Michael Chester
They proudly named one of their kids after their dad, calling him Brian. The name wasn’t the only thing their son picked up from his dad, as they also have the same profession.
Brian Jnr works as a teacher in Galway, like his father did before retirement. Catherine and Brian Snr also share another adult son called Stephen.
Work
Catherine Connolly with her husband Brian McEnery. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Brian spent 25 years working as a woodwork teacher at Garbally College in Ballinasloe and a further nine years at St Joseph’s Patrician College in Galway city.
He retired in 2009, but that didn’t mean that he was going to sit back and relax. Like Catherine, Brian is very active in his community and is very involved in the local men’s shed and the residents’ association in the Claddagh.
While he is not one to stand in the spotlight, Brian has been spotted quietly by his wife’s side during public outings numerous times over the years.
Hobbies
Catherine Connolly and her family at Dublin Castle on Saturday. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
It’s clear to see that Catherine and Brian are a perfect match, as he is equally as interested in running marathons and leading an extremely active life.
He has been a big fan of the GAA all his life, having played hurling and football as a child. He has also completed four Dublin marathons and triathlons.
Catherine and Brian have jetted off on a number of long-distance cycling trips together over the years, too. He also has a keen interest in motorbiking and has a Harley-Davidson.
Health
Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery are greeted by Tanaiste Simon Harris (right) and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe (left) as she arrives at Dublin Castle ahead of her inauguration as Ireland’s 10th president. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Brian had a stroke in 2013 while doing maintenance work for the local residents’ association in the Claddagh area, despite being an extremely fit 60-year-old.
He ended up spending three weeks in an acute stroke unit before spending a further 10 weeks at Merlin Park Hospital in Galway.
Brian went on to attend the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin for five more weeks, where he underwent intense speech and physical therapy.
While the incident has led to him leading a much less physically active life, he is still very much involved in the community.