Ticket demands surge to pre-Covid levels for Kennedy Summer School as sessions sell out

Irish Independent

5 days ago

New Ross local and Festival Co-ordinator, Sharon Doyle commented on this year's demand: 'Audiences are clearly eager to experience everything the Kennedy Summer School has to offer this year. What has very much surprised us is the pace of ticket sales. In pre-COVID times, we would usually reach this level of demand around the August Bank Holiday weekend—but it has been years since sales moved at this pace.'
" We are very much looking forward to welcoming all our audiences and guest speakers very soon. And if you're quick, you might still be able to join us for a Thursday or Friday evening session,' she added.
The 2025 Kennedy Summer School will officially open on the evening of Thursday, August 28, with a special ceremony at St Michael's Theatre in New Ross. Esteemed broadcaster and Chair of the Kennedy Summer School, Eileen Dunne, will lead a fireside chat with President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns.
Following the official opening, attendees are invited to a special film screening and panel discussion of From That Small Island – The Story of the Irish. This thought-provoking documentary explores the enduring global impact of the Irish diaspora. The post-screening discussion lead by Eamonn Hore promises to be a highlight of the evening, featuring insights from leading historians and cultural commentators including Professor Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, originator of the acclaimed 1916: The Irish Rebellion series; Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, a prominent historian of early modern Ireland; historian and author; and Colm Mac Con Iomaire, musician and storyteller whose work reflects the emotional texture of Irish identity.
The programme continues on Friday morning with a centenary celebration of The Great Gatsby, marking 100 years since the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic American novel. This special Schools Masterclass Session is designed to engage secondary students and the wider public with fresh perspectives on the novel's relevance today. The panel will feature leading International literature scholars — Professor Kirk Curnutt, Professor Sarah Churchwell, Professor Philip McGowan and Dr Martina Mastandrea — and moderated by Dr Brian Murphy, will unravel the magic, mystery and timeless charm of Fitzgerald's masterpiece.
Later on Friday, attention turns to the scenic setting of the JFK Arboretum for the sold-out Speakers' Lunch, which will host Minister James Lawless TD as guest speaker. After lunch, the focus shifts back to St Michael's Theatre for a compelling panel on the role of local journalism in Irish society today. This discussion, moderated by Alan Corcoran of Southeast Radio, will explore how regional media continues to inform, connect, and hold power to account. Panellists include journalist and columnist Brenda Power, Wexford People reporter Jessica O'Connor, editor and broadcaster Dave O'Connell, and Bill Forry, editor of the Boston Irish Reporter, who brings an Irish-American media perspective.
One of the most anticipated events of the summer school follows, which is the prestigious Noel Whelan Interview, named in honour of the school's co-founder and visionary political analyst. Introduced by Seamus Whelan, this year's interview will feature Colm Tóibín, internationally celebrated author of Brooklyn and The Magician, in conversation with Sinéad McSweeney. Their discussion is expected to explore themes of literature, identity, censorship, and the global reach of Irish storytelling.
The evening concludes with a timely and provocative panel titled President Trump & Us, moderated by RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly. With the 2024 U.S. presidential election still reverberating globally, this session will include a diverse mix of insightful Americans and Europeans from the worlds of politics, business, journalism, economics and academia, who will assess the far-reaching ramifications for the world of the second Trump presidency. Contributors include economist Dan O'Brien, European affairs journalist Shona Murray, former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Latino political strategist Gilberto Ocanas, and Ukrainian political analyst Tanya Gordiienko. Their diverse perspectives promise a nuanced and wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of politics, diplomacy, and public sentiment.
The 2025 Kennedy Summer School promises a dynamic and timely series of conversations and cultural events in the historic town of New Ross. With issues ranging from US politics to housing, Irish-America to literature, the programme continues the festival's mission to foster informed public debate. For further information and tickets, visit kennedysummerschool.ie.