'I gave up the cigars': President Connolly recalls 'eureka' moment in Leeds 45 years ago

“I was smoking too many and started training,” she said. “I did my first little run around Headingley Park, and I couldn’t run a mile. I said, ‘That’s it’.”

Irish president Catherine Connolly during a visit to Leeds University, as part of her official visit to the UK. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA Wire

As she returned to her old stomping ground at the University of Leeds, President Catherine Connolly revealed that she had a “eureka” moment here as a student and kicked some bad habits.

Matty Walsh, who is setting up Leeds University’s Gaelic football club, had obviously done his homework and knew Ms Connolly was a former triathlete.