Bradley Bytes – A sort of political column by Dara Bradley

As years go 2025 was a decent one for many Galway politicians.

The political Highlight of the Year was undoubtedly Catherine Connolly’s election as the 10th President of Ireland.

It’s over two years since this column predicted The Queen of the Claddagh was Presidential material but to actually deliver on that obvious potential was a remarkable achievement. Even Cat’s detractors were impressed by her debating skills, slick campaign and connection with young voters.

Here was a 68-year-old woman from a Council house in Shantalla, from a family with 13 siblings, who has risen to become Head of State against all odds, taking 914,143 first preference votes, or 63% of all votes cast.

She did so despite a........

© Connacht Tribune