Kennedy Summer School in Wexford will feature Colm Tóibín, Sean O'Rourke and a film narrated by Hollywood star Colin Farrell
'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.
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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 Kennedysummerschool.ie.
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