{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66d2140a-cd91-584c-ae39-d08918c12a56/68defb51bd7f04b74f384f6c?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Catherine Connolly — Presidential Hopeful","description":"<p>This is a conversation I recorded on the 3rd of September with Independent TD and Presidential candidate, Catherine Connolly.</p><p>She lives in the Claddagh in Galway with her husband Brian, and they have two adult children.</p><p>Her life and work have been shaped by a deep sense of social justice, compassion, and conviction.</p><p>Before entering politics, Catherine worked as a cleaner, a nurse’s aide, a psychologist, a teacher, and a barrister — a truly diverse path that reflects her deep-rooted commitment to public service.</p><p>She’s one of 14 siblings, and in this episode, she speaks about losing her mother at the age of nine — a loss that shaped the rest of her life.</p><p>We talk about: the power of listening, her love for Gaeilge, her long-standing advocacy for equality, Palestine and the kind of President she hopes to be if elected.</p><p>It’s honest and grounded— very much like Catherine herself.</p><p><br></p><p>Make sure you're registered to vote — you still have a few days left:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Check the Register</a></p><p>Agus caith do vóta ar an 24ú!</p><p><br></p><p>If you enjoy Ready to be Real, please consider following, rating, and reviewing the podcast — it really helps!</p><p>And thank you, as always, for your support.</p>","author_name":"Síle Seoige"}