Torc Community and Family Resource Centre (CFRC) was honoured to welcome President Catherine Connolly on Saturday morning for a special visit celebrating community,partnership, and the vital role of Family Resource Centres in Irish society.

The President was greeted on arrival by the vibrant “Thump” Youth Drumming Group, a collaborative project between Torc CFRC and Kerry ETB’s Local Youthreach and Community Programme (LYCP). Taking time to meet with the young participants, President Connolly enthusiastically joined the group, even trying her hand at drumming alongside its members — a moment that perfectly set the tone for the warm and engaging visit. President Connolly then met with members of the Torc CFRC Board, along with community and statutory partners involved in the Centre’s work. Guided by Derek O’Leary, Executive Manager of Torc CFRC, she toured the Centre, including a visit to the much-admired History Wall, which charts the organisation’s journey from its inauguration to its present-day impact. During this tour, Mr O’Leary highlighted photographs from previous presidential visits, including those of President Mary Robinson and President Mary McAleese. The visit continued to the Early Years service, where the President was welcomed by Theresa O’Neill, Childcare Manager, and her dedicated team. She spent time engaging with children and speaking with parents about their experiences of the Early Years programme, gaining first-hand insight into the importance of accessible, high-quality childcare and family supports within the community. President Connolly also viewed the Centre’s bespoke sensory room, a recent and valuable addition designed to support children with additional needs. She expressed particular interest in how the space enhances inclusion and wellbeing within the service. An intimate and informal gathering followed, where the President met Torc CFRC’s Social and Community Development staff and listened to powerful testimonials from service users. During this discussion, she spoke of her deep understanding of the diverse and evolving needs within communities, and acknowledged the vital, locally responsive work delivered by Family Resource Centres nationwide. Speaking after the visit, Derek O’Leary, Executive Manager of Torc CFRC, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome President Connolly to Torc CFRC. Her genuine interest in our work, her engagement with service users, and her understanding of the social realities facing communities across Ireland meant a great deal to everyone here today.” He added: “President Connolly clearly recognises the importance of Family Resource Centres as trusted, community-based services. Her visit reaffirmed the value of the bespoke, relationship-based approach that Torc CFRC and the wider FRC network bring to families and individuals every day.” The President later mingled with a large gathering of invited guests, including key partner organisations and local public representatives. Throughout the visit, she was generous with her time, warmly accommodating photographs and conversations, and maintaining an informal, approachable presence that greatly enriched the occasion. On her departure, President Connolly was presented with a hand-crafted teapot and mug set from Muckross House Pottery by Mr O’Leary. The gift symbolised Torc CFRC’s open-door ethos and its professional yet welcoming approach to engagement with families and the wider community. Torc CFRC extends its sincere thanks to President Connolly for her visit, and to all partners, service users, staff, and volunteers who contributed to making the occasion such a meaningful celebration of community in action.

He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager.

Here’s how it went:

When you began your career, was there ever a player or manager you idolised?

‘When I started my career, not really, I was 18 with Celtic and you know a lot of good players were there. Henrik Larsson was one. It was more important for me to get to that level and stay at that level, and it was a great experience’.

Tell me how it felt to play for Ireland while Mick McCarthy was manager.

‘It was very good. I began working with him in the Irish camp, and then when I joined Sunderland he would have been the manager there. So he’s been fantastic’.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

‘I’m just proud as always that I had a long career, a lot of injuries aswell, so probably getting back from those injuries. Along with playing for Cork City and playing internationally for Ireland which is always a good thing’.

When you went into managing, was there ever a manager or manager’s style you idolised?

‘Well we had a few, obviously Martin O’Neil at Celtic, and of course he’s still coaching today. Martin was a very good man and a very good manager. So I’d probably say Martin’.

Describe to me what it felt like to represent your country at an international level.

‘Yea, it was probably the proudest day and one of the biggest achievements’.

This will be your first full season with Kerry, what would you like to being to the club?

‘We recruited well, we still look to bring in more players, but listen i just want to get us as far as we can and get higher up the table and improve on last year’.

What do you believe is Kerry’s strongest capability?

‘We’re still in pre-season so we got some good goals, there’s still some stuff we can improve on, but its still early doors for us. Obviously we got new players, and they need the type of time as the players that are here. So overall it was good to get into the next round (of the Munster Senior Cup), but as I say, we can always be better’.