"There's something refreshing about hearing a head of state talk about the joy of getting outdoors"

During Irish President Catherine Connolly’s first official visit to Northern Ireland, Developing Healthy Communities Chief Executive Edel O'Doherty joined civic, community and political representatives at a reception in the Guildhall to welcome the Uachtarán Na Éireann to the historic City. Edel writes...

What struck me most was the president's delight at visiting Derry, praising the resilience, courage and perseverance of the people, along with their wit and sense of humour. She also acknowledged the ongoing work made by local communities to build peace.

Over and above the formality of the occasion, it was lovely to hear the president’s genuine reflections on the experience of a previous visit to Derry with her family.  She talked about arriving with her family, eager to get straight onto their bikes and explore our greenways, and appreciating the beautiful setting of the City on the banks of the River Foyle. There was something refreshing about hearing a head of state talk not just about policy, history or politics, but about the simple joy of getting outdoors.

In that moment, it reminded me how often we overlook the everyday health assets that surround us within Derry and Strabane District Council area. For all the important work we do around promotion of positive mental health, suicide prevention and holistic wellbeing, the president’s story was a gentle reminder to remember that place itself, the beautiful parks, greenways, forests, river walks and shared spaces within our local communities are the foundations for healthier living.

For me personally, the brief conversation we shared about the WHO Healthy Cities programme was heartening. The fact that she immediately recognised the programme and linked it to her own experience in Galway made the exchange feel less like a formal introduction and more like an alignment of values. It was a reminder that our work sits within a wider movement,  one that is strengthened each time someone in public life sees its importance.

As I left the Guildhall and walked over the iconic Peace Bridge to my office in Ebrington Square, what lingered was the Presidents genuine interest and appreciation for this place which we call home, her gentle humanity and a reminder to take time to appreciate our beautiful city itself: its resilience, its people, and its landscapes which invite us to step outside, breathe, cycle, walk, and connect.

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