US Ambassador To Open Kennedy Summer School Next Month

Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, will officially open the Kennedy Summer School events programme in New Ross in August.

The gathering of the country's brightest minds returns to the town for a special four day event between August 26-29th with a large programme of debate, discussions and ideas.

This year's Summer School will bring together ambassadors, broadcasters, academics, historians, writers and political commentators and is inspired by the legacy of former US President John F. Kennedy's unique bond with New Ross.

Featuring in this year's events is a Trade and Economic Forum exploring business and investment between Ireland, Europe and the United States.

There will also be panel discussions on space research, literature, sport, reporting from conflict zones, US politics as well as music and culture.

One of the highlights of this year's Summer School is the annual Noel Whelan Interview, with veteran broadcaster Pat Kenny reflecting on a career spanning generations of Irish public life.

Launching the programme, Chairperson Eileen Dunne said the Summer School continues to honour President Kennedy's belief in the power of ideas and international understanding.

"We are especially proud to welcome speakers of exceptional calibre to New Ross, a town with a unique place in the Kennedy story, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across Ireland and beyond."

The full programme and tickets will be available from 11 am on Tuesday, July 14 at https://www.kennedysummerschool.ie or from St Michael's Theatre, New Ross on 051 421255.

The Kennedy Summer School is supported by Wexford County Council, Purdue University, The Purdue Policy Research Institute, Boston College and the OPW.

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.