Michael D. Higgins thanks the people of Ireland as he departs Áras an Uachtaráin: "Serving as President was a great privilege"

Outgoing President Michael D. Higgins has issued a statement thanking the public as he and his wife Sabina left the Áras an Uachtaráin for the final time last night.

President Higgins wrote that serving as President of Ireland for the past 14 years "was a great privilege."

"I would like to thank the people of Ireland for the warmth of reception which they gave to both Sabina and myself," Higgins wrote.

"How valuable it was to be able to join with them in engaging with the issues, projects and ideas that will help us to achieve the best of our country and the best representation of Ireland and its values abroad – an inclusive citizenship and a creative society in a real Republic."

He concluded in Irish: "Guím gach beannacht do mhuintir na hÉireann do’n todhchaí." (English: I wish the people of Ireland every blessing for the future.)

As the President and Sabina departed Áras an Uachtaráin, they were met with claps and cheers from members of the Sanctuary Runners, a running group (of which Higgins is patron) comprised of asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and Irish citizens.

Monica Pumpkin, a runner originally from Botswana, gifted the couple yellow roses to thank them for their support.

Pumpkin said Higgins stood "for all migrants in Ireland" during his presidency.

"We are here today to wish him well, and farewell," Pumpkin said.

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina have departed from Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of the conclusion of his term of office as the ninth President of Ireland at midnight tonight. As the President and Sabina left, members of the Sanctuary Runners applauded them pic.twitter.com/mzSZ3ZaTO7

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 10, 2025

Higgins' second term as president officially concluded last night.

Catherine Connolly is set to be inaugurated as the tenth President of Ireland today, November 11.