234. Mary McAleese: President of Ireland

Mary McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Born in Belfast, she became the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and held office through some of the most significant years of the peace process.

In this conversation, recorded at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal, Mary reflects on her life, her presidency and the people and events she witnessed at close quarters.

She discusses John Hume and Gerry Adams and the conversations that helped shape the peace process; David and Daphne Trimble; Ian Paisley; the Omagh bombing; and the relationships and encounters that took place away from public view.

Mary also recalls Queen Elizabeth II and the extraordinary journey towards the Queen’s historic 2011 state visit to Ireland, including their shared interest in the ancient sporting traditions of hurling and shinty.

The conversation ends in Irish, as Mary talks about her affection for Gleann Cholm Cille, the Irish language and Oideas Gael - and shares some fond memories of Fender’s father, Seán Ó hEaráin, a classmate of hers at Oideas Gael.

Recorded at Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal on Wed 29th July 2026.

Full episode on YouTube which includes subtitles for Irish section at the end. Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

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