My name is Claire Connolly, and I am 25 years old. I live in the seaside village of Dalkey, and I am both honoured and delighted to represent the nation's capital.
After qualifying as a nutritionist in 2019, I began a PhD with the University College Dublin Nutrition, Biomarkers and Health Research Group and Food for Health Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate degree and got to spend a year working with the US Department of Agriculture in University California Davis.
I enjoy cooking and am very passionate about Irish produce. I have worked with Irish chef Neven Maguire in his restaurant in Blacklion, Co Cavan. My friends and I started our porridge Instagram page, Pimpmy Porridge, in senior year to inspire the nation to dress up their morning bowl of oats!
My mother is from Co Laois and my father is from Co Louth. I spent many of my childhood vacations at my grandparents' farm.
Last year, I began golfing at the Heath Golf Club Laois, enlisting my father as a caddy. I go for runs and attend F45 in Blackrock as part of my routine to stay fit and healthy.
