Gatsby, Global Affairs and the Irish - launch of annual festival on Kilkenny border

The 2025 Kennedy Summer School has been officially launched by festival chair Eileen Dunne, unveiling a dynamic and thought-provoking programme of events set to take place in New Ross from Thursday, 28th to Saturday, the 30th of August.

The line-up reaffirms the Kennedy Summer School as one of Ireland’s most distinguished political and cultural festivals, combining international insight, Irish identity, and lively debate in a setting that continues to honour the Kennedy family’s legacy.

Launching the programme, Chair of the Kennedy Summer School Eileen Dunne said: “It is a privilege to launch this year’s Kennedy Summer School programme — an event that holds great meaning for me and for all who value thoughtful public discourse. Our 2025 line-up embraces ideas that cross borders and generations, inviting us to reflect on Irish identity, global affairs, literature, and the pressing challenges of our time. In doing so, we honour the Kennedy family’s legacy by fostering rigorous debate, cultural dialogue, and a spirit of civic curiosity.”

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The programme opens on Thursday morning with a Schools STEM Event at the Arboretum, featuring key voices from SETU and Research Ireland, including Patrick Prendergast, Veronica Campbell and Ciarán Seoighe, moderated by Dr. Charles Larkin. That afternoon, the Arboretum hosts a celebratory Tea Party with broadcaster Seán O’Rourke and musical entertainment by Sharon Clancy, compered by Seán Connick.

The official opening takes place on Thursday evening, August 28th, at St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross, led by Eileen Dunne. Following the official opening, there will be a special screening and discussion of the film From That Small Island – The Story of the Irish, with contributions from Prof Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, Prof Jane Ohlmeyer, Brian Murphy, and Colm Mac Con Iomaire.

Friday begins with a centenary celebration of The Great Gatsby at a Schools Literature and Humanities session featuring American Studies scholars Prof Kirk Curnutt, Prof Lisa Snodgrass, and Christina Kiracofe, moderated by Dr Charles Larkin. Later that day, a senior member of government will address the Speakers' Lunch.

After the Speakers' Lunch at the JFK Arboretum, the action returns to the theatre for a panel on the role of local journalism, moderated by Southeast Radio’s Alan Corcoran and featuring Brenda Power, Jessica O’Connor, Dave O’Connell, and Bill Forry. The prestigious Noel Whelan Interview follows and will be introduced by Seamus Whelan; acclaimed author Colm Tóibín will be in conversation with Sinéad McSweeney. The evening concludes with a panel entitled President Trump & Us, moderated by RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly with contributions from Dan O'Brien, Shona Murray, Mayor Greg Ballard, Gilberto Ocanas, and Tanya Gordiienko.

Saturday's programme opens with a public Gatsby Centenary panel with Prof Kirk Curnutt, Prof Philip McGowan, Prof Sarah Churchwell, and Dr Martina Mastandrea. Trade and international business take centre stage at the 11:00 session, with a high-profile panel featuring economist Stephen Kinsella, Brad McKinney from the US Department of International Trade, Gilberto Ocanas, Vasileios Madouros, and Liam Byrne MP.

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Following this, the discussion will turn to the evolving Irish-American relationship with Senator Mark Daly, Larry Donnelly, Ruairi Barnwell, and Linda Dorcena-Forry, moderated by RTÉ’s Jackie Fox. Saturday afternoon sees former CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta in conversation with Dr. Stacey Connaughton of Purdue University, followed by the return of the popular Marion and Cal Roadshow, moderated by Larry Donnelly and featuring Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas.

The festival will close with a forum on the upcoming Irish Presidential election, followed by a rousing performance from the New Ross District Pipe Band.

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 for tickets, visit www.kennedysummerschool.ie.

The Kennedy Summer School is supported by Wexford County Council, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland, Purdue University, Boston College, and New Ross Municipal District.