Names: Clare Conaty and Kathleen Conaty
Hometown: Knoxville (“KnoxVEGAS”), Tennessee (born in Savannah, Georgia)
Year: Sophomore
Dorm: Ryan Hall
Majors?
“I’ll share mine first, because I’m older,” said Clare.
“You always say that,” responded Kathleen.
Clare: Marketing, considering a minor in Entrepreneurship
Kathleen: Finance and Political Science, looking to go to Law School
Life as a Twin
Who was born first?
Clare was born first by 2 minutes.
Clare: “It was the best 2 minutes of my life.”
Kathleen: “If I had a dime for every time she said that…”
The secret to telling them apart:
Kathleen has a freckle on her lip that Clare doesn’t have.
What is your favorite part about going to college with your twin?
Kathleen: “You always have your best friend with you.”
Clare: “You’re never in it alone – you always have someone there to support you.”
Life on Campus
What activities are you involved in?
Clare is a Student Worker in the Marketing Office of the Athletic Department, and Kathleen works as an Office Assistant in the First Year of Studies Office. They are also Hall Clerks for Ryan Hall, and they were on Frosh-O Staff for Ryan this year. They participate in a wide variety of dorm activities to promote the spirit of Ryan, and they also love playing intramural sports.
What intramural sports have you played at Notre Dame?
These gals have played Ryan Hall flag football, intramural basketball, Bookstore Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, dodgeball, racquetball, wiffle ball, and even ping pong! Clearly, they’ve done it all. Their favorite intramural sport is Ryan Hall flag football – Kathleen plays quarterback, and Clare plays linebacker and running back. “We made it to the championship in the stadium last year, and we’re looking for a repeat,” said Kathleen.
Favorite part about living in Ryan Hall?
“Father Joe,” answered Clare. “Not only is he a kind, warming presence in Ryan, but he makes everyone feel important and feel like they really matter.”
“Father Joe is also my favorite,” answered Kathleen. “But I also love the community feeling and welcoming atmosphere of Ryan. Differences don’t define relationships here – you really get the feeling that you’re in it together, and this is your family.”
Favorite study spot on campus?
“The law arch, no doubt,” they both answered. “But I also love going and sitting by the lakes if it’s good weather,” added Kathleen.
“I also love to study in bed with my eyes shut,” shared Clare.
Fun Facts
Favorite Taylor Swift song?
Clare – You Belong With Me
Kathleen – All Too Well (or Thug Story with T-Pain…“look it up, it’s great”)
Favorite song on 1989?
These girls are huge T-Swift fans, and they own every song that she has ever made.
Clare – Blank Space
Kathleen – Wildest Dreams
Go-to Chipotle order?
They informed me that they both order the exact same thing every time they eat at Chipotle (naturally, because they’re twins). Their go-to is a Burrito Bowl with chicken, brown rice, black beans, mild, medium, and extra hot salsa, extra corn, lettuce, cheese, and guacamole.“Guac is non-negotiable”, said Kathleen.
Kathleen also shared with me that, “I had to switch from a burrito to a bowl because my burritos were getting too big with all of the ingredients, and they couldn’t wrap them anymore.”
They also informed me that the real secret to the perfect Chipotle order is asking for a side of salad dressing. “It’s a game-changer”, said Clare. “It’s free, and it changes the whole dynamic of the meal.”
Fun fact about ND?
Their uncle and Rudy attended Holy Cross together! They were roommates there, and also lived together at Notre Dame when they both transferred in.
They talked to Rudy on the phone when they were young, and they each have a signed picture from him. He also donated a signed “Play Like a Champion Today” plaque to the girls’ high school basketball team, and they would hit it as they ran out of the locker room before games just like the Notre Dame football team.
These girls are the biggest Notre Dame Football fans I’ve ever met, and have the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever known. The Conaty twins truly represent the values of Notre Dame – they are utterly selfless, actively involved in their community, and are always looking for ways to help others. Keep doing you, twins!
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Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 provided by author