Press Release: Kilkenny County Council Library Service Welcomes An tUachtarán, Catherine Connolly to Thomastown Library

Kilkenny County Council Library Service was honoured to welcome An tUachtarán, Catherine Connolly, on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 to visit the newly opened Thomastown Library.
The presidential visit marked a very special occasion, highlighting the vital role public libraries play in supporting literacy, learning, culture and community engagement. During her visit, President Connolly met with local elected officials, library staff, visitors including members of the Thomastown community – Thomastown Scouts, Thomastown Knitters Group and Thomastown Men’s Shed.

She was brought on a tour of the library by County Librarian, Josephine Coyne and Executive Librarian, Johanna Brennan where she learned more about the range of services, programmes and initiatives available for everyone in the library.
The visit was particularly significant for County Kilkenny, providing an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of public libraries to community life through their collections, digital resources, literacy initiatives, educational programmes and cultural events.

Speaking during the visit, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Joe Malone, said: “I was delighted to welcome President Catherine Connolly to Thomastown Library. The library's success, with over 24,000 visitors and 2,100 members since opening in May, reflects the strong support it enjoys within our community. Her visit is a meaningful acknowledgement of the important role libraries play in bringing people together supporting lifelong learning, innovation and creativity.”

Kilkenny County Council would like to thank President Connolly for taking the time to visit Thomastown library and for her continued support of libraries, reading, culture and lifelong learning throughout Ireland.
President Connolly was presented with a Cushendall limited-edition throw made from the wool from Irelands only native breed of sheep from Galway.
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For further information contact County Librarian Josephine Coyne via email at josephine.coyne@kilkennycoco.ie

Image 1: An tUachtarán, Catherine Connolly with members of Thomastown community including Thomastown Scouts, Thomastown Knitters Group and Thomastown Men’s Shed.

Image 2: An tUachtarán, Catherine Connolly and Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Joe Malone with local elected officials.

Image 3: County Librarian Josephine Coyne and library staff present An tUachtarán, Catherine Connolly with a gift of a Cushendall limited-edition throw.

Photo Credits: Dylan Vaughan