Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly on hopes, fears, and daily routines

Getting to know more about our two presidential candidates with questions about everything from morning routines and earliest memories to biggest fears

Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys before the television debate at the Virgin media offices at Westgate Business Park, Ballymount. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

As the date for the presidential election gets ever closer, the whole country is talking about the two remaining candidates, their policies, their backgrounds, their vision for the potential role in the Aras and their hopes for the future.

But there are a lot more to the presidential hopefuls than most of us are aware of, so to find out a little more about their personal lives, we spoke to Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly about their likes and dislikes, their fears and hopes and their daily routines.

Fine Gael Presidential Candidate Heather Humphries in Co Monaghan launching her campaign to become the next President of Ireland. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins photos

Heather Humphreys

Fine Gael Presidential Candidate — former Government minister and Credit Union manager is 65 years old. She has two children and lives in County Monaghan with her husband Eric.

How do you keep fit?

I love walking and working in the garden – I also keep fit by running after the grandkids

Do you have a morning routine and if so, what is it?

My mornings always start with a cup of coffee while listening to the radio and having a read of the newspapers

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I love vegetables and this year I’ve had a bumper year in the veg garden. We’ve grown all our own and are still getting plenty. I also love sushi.

How do you relax?

For me, relaxing is having time in the garden as it is where I switch off. But if it’s raining, I like to relax with a good book or a gardening magazine.

Who are your sporting heroes?

My sporting hero would have to be the Clones Cyclone himself, Barry McGuigan.

What is the best health advice you've ever been given?

It would have to be to slow down and eat well.

What is your biggest fear?

I think my biggest worry would be letting somebody down.

What is your favourite smell?

I really love the smell of Angel perfume.

Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael during the first televised debate of the 2025 Presidential Election campaign on Virgin Media's The Tonight Show in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

What is your earliest memory?

I can still remember running after a hen as a toddler, so that has to be my earliest memory.

What do you wish you knew when you were younger?

Looking back, I wish I had known that we shouldn’t worry about the small stuff.

Do you pray?

I do.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

There is nothing better than a good laugh to help cheer me up.

Has climate change impacted how you live your life?

Yes, it has. I really hate waste, and try to avoid throwing anything out — so I make an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle.

What quote inspires you most and why?

Good leadership is humility with a strong resolve to succeed.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

I would have to say that my home is my favourite place to be.

What’s something nobody knows about you?

There was a time when I would sing at the odd wedding.

Independent Galway TD Catherine Connolly outside Leinster House after she officially announced her intention to run as the next President of Ireland. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

Catherine Connolly

Independent Presidential Candidate — is 69 years old and has two children. She lives in the Claddagh in Galway with her husband Brian McEnery. Currently working as a TD, she has also been a barrister and clinical psychologist.

How do you keep fit?

I love to lane swim and do it as much as possible. A brisk walk by the sea helps and I love to climb a mountain whenever I get the chance.

Do you have a morning routine and if so, what is it?

A quiet ten minutes with tea, toast and a banana. I like to listen to the radio when I wake up.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Simple, natural foods, plenty of vegetables. And I drink uisce all day.

How do you relax?

A swim, a walk along the coast, a book or listening to music. I do enjoy a visit to the theatre too.

Who are your sporting heroes?

I admire those who lift others: community coaches, volunteers and athletes who use their platform for good.

What is the best health advice you've ever been given?

Sleep well, move every day and talk to people around you.

What is your biggest fear?

That we lose our compassion — that a child has no home and we look away.

SF Spokesperson on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development: Louise O’Reilly TD and President of Ireland Candidate Catherine Connolly speak on the plinth, Leinster House. Photo: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos

What is your favourite smell?

Atlantic air after the rain.

What is your earliest memory?

Playing with my friends in baby infants.

What do you wish you knew when you were younger?

You don't have to do everything at once. It's okay to ask for help and not to be afraid.

Do you pray?

I take time for quiet reflection and I speak with those who have left me.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

A swim, a walk, a conversation with my children.

Has climate change impacted how you live your life?

Yes, I am more mindful about travel, I walk, cycle and use public transport when I can. I listen to farmers and small businesses about a fair and just transition.

What quote inspires you most and why?

From the Republic of Conscience: "When I landed in the republic of conscience It was so noiseless when the engines stopped. I could hear a curlew high above the runway" — Séamus Heaney.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

The west coast, Galway Bay and Conamara.

What’s something nobody knows about you?

I did my Grade 3 piano exam earlier this year.