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Irish Independent
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ticket demands surge to pre-Covid levels for Kennedy Summer School as sessions sell out
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
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Kennedy Summer School in Wexford will feature Colm Tóibín, Sean O'Rourke and a film narrated by Hollywood star Colin Farrell
Those present were treated to an insight as to what this year's line up has to offer, which was outlined by former RTÉ News journalist and Kennedy Summer School Co-Director, Eileen Dunne. 'Suffice to say, a lot has happened since we launched the 2024 summer school in Dublin on July 4. Last year, we had a brochure on whose cover were Joe Biden and Donald Trump... And look what happened since,' Ms Dunne remarked in her opening words. "To quote Captain Boyle from Seán O'Casey's, Juno and the Paycock, 'the whole world is in a terrible state o' chassis', now, if we were to say that in August to our American visitors, they wouldn't have a clue what we were talking about. But we all know,' she continued, gripping the attention of all in attendance. Ms Dunne then pointed out that American's 'see things differently' from across the water, which is what makes the discussions all the more interesting. At the top of the distinguished guests from America to this year's summer school is former CNN White House correspondent, Jim Acosta. Also returning from Purdue University, is former Mayor, Greg Ballard, who was in attendance at last year's event and who commented on the civility of the discourse. 'He couldn't believe that people could actually stand up on a stage and have a decent 'agree to disagree', agreeably, basically, and so he's coming back to see us,' Ms Dunne shared. 'We're going to get insights from America. We're also going to look at the impact of the Trump presidency on us here in Ireland, on Europe, on Ukraine,' Ms Dunne continued. "We'll be welcoming Tony Connor, who's a favourite here at the summer school to chair that particular debate. Then when we look at some problems closer to home, we're going to look at trade, obviously, tariffs. We're going to look at housing, some of the things that are implicating on us here, and then talk about elections. "There's nothing like an Irish presidential election, and while we may not be able to announce because we don't have any runners or riders yet, we do hope to have some by the end of August, and even if we don't, we'll have some pundits to talk about the difference by people who have worked on presidential elections and general elections, and to talk about the difference between votes all furthering the whole Kennedy legacy of civilised discussion and information,' she said. For those who may find that 'politics gets too much' there is the cultural program with two 'very special events' over the weekend. Those events include, Thursday night's Wexford premier screenings of the film adaptation of the documentary series, From that Small Island, which was created by one of the school's directors, the acclaimed writer and filmmaker, Bríona NicDhiarmada. This feature-length documentary, From That Small Island, is narrated by award-winning actor Colin Farrell and features an original score by renowned composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire. The film will be screened at St. Michael's Theatre on Thursday, August 28 at 6:45 p.m. Shot across 17 countries, from Barbados to Belgium, Singapore to Switzerland, and across the entire island of Ireland, with many highlights featured from Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny, the film presents a compelling narrative of Irish history and influence. Contributors include former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, among many other voices from around the globe. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more A follow-up discussion will be held with Colm Mac Con Iomaire, 'a wonderful musician who composed the music for the documentary film' who will outline what the composition process was like, and 'hopefully play for us as well'. The second event, on Friday night will be The Noel Whelan Interview, hosted by Sinéad McSweeney, with the long sought-after guest, Colm Tóibín. Ms Dunne also said she's 'expecting political sparks to fly this year' as Sean Connick, former TD, will be interviewing journalist Sean O'Rourke. Dr Brian Murphy, also a director at the Kennedy Summer School, announced at the launch that there will be a focus on The Great Gatsby novel, as scholars from the US will make the journey to New Ross to showcase masterclasses for Leaving Certificate students with follow-up discussions. His announcement at the launch was filled with enthusiasm and passion, a speech which almost led into a full discussion on the matter with an enthralled audience in tow. Other events over the three days will include the annual Afternoon Tea Party, a panel discussion on the role of local journalism, trade sessions and the Marion and Cal Roadshow. The Cathaoirleach of New Ross District Council, Councillor John Dwyer, spoke at the launch and said that while he would have had 'issues with constantly focusing on American politics,' he added, 'but of course, American politics affects everybody in the world, whether they like it or not.' 'The Kennedy Summer School has had many, many distinguished guests," Cllr Dwyer continued, outlining that there is a unique space created by the organisation where healthy debates can take place on the most controversial topics, and in the most diplomatic way. "The contribution of this event to the lifeblood and the uplifting of New Ross has been superb. New Ross is in a place now where we never thought we would be, thanks to people like Eamonn Hore and Alan Fitzhenry and the entire team from Wexford County Council. We're making huge progress in areas that were always derelict. "People accepted that Brennan's Lane would always be derelict, but there was no need for that. And so with, with the foresight of this team of people from Wexford County Council, and, of course, Mick McCormick, former town clerk, who needs to be acknowledged too, because Mick has done a huge amount of work in terms of tackling dereliction in the town, we're in a place now where we were never before. "There's a real mood of buoyancy in the town, and this is going to continue because of all of these people involved in the likes of Wexford County Council and organisations like the Kennedy Summer School and I look forward to a very, very successful event this year,' the Cathoirleach concluded. The 13th annual Kennedy Summer School will take place in New Ross from August 28 to August 30, 2025 and is presented in association with the Office of Public Works, New Ross District Council, Wexford County Council, Purdue University, and Fáilte Ireland. Tickets for the events can be purchased through
