2024 marks the 61st anniversary of President John F Kennedy’s historic visit to New Ross and his ancestor’s homestead at Dunganstown, where one of the most famous tea parties in history took place.
That famous Irish tea party is set to be re-enacted at the JFK Arboretum in Co. Wexford during the annual Kennedy Summer School on the afternoon of Thursday 29th August 2024.
The Kennedy Summer School will celebrate the presidential visit of John F Kennedy to New Ross and Dunganstown with a special event of talks, entertainment and afternoon tea. The event’s guest of honour will be former RTE journalist and news presenter Bryan Dobson. Bryan will speak about his long and varied career in broadcasting, looking back on some of the major stories he covered, both at home and abroad. He’ll also talk about his interests and pursuits beyond journalism … spoiler alert – he’s a keen sailor.
Bryan retired in May of this year from the national public service broadcaster. During 37 years with RTE, he reported on news stories from home and abroad including the Northern Ireland peace process and the Good Friday Agreement; the economic crash; local, European and general elections; State visits; and many foreign assignments including the first democratic elections in South Africa, US Presidential elections and the UK’s Brexit referendum. He is married with two adult daughters and a grandson and lives with his wife Crea in Dublin.
Hosted by Seán Connick, CEO of the John F Kennedy Trust, with the support of members of the Wexford Federation, and Irish Countrywomen’s Association, guests can look forward to a convivial few hours of music, chat and afternoon tea.
The team at the Kennedy Summer School are also delighted to be joined this year by Todd Brothers who, fortunately, timed a visit home from the US that coincides with the Tea Party. Todd began his musical career on the stage of St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross and has played numerous principal roles with leading Musical Societies throughout Ireland.
Concert work has seen Todd appearing regularly in both in The Helix Theatre and with the Glasnevin Musical Society in the National Concert Hall. Todd has also performed at Centrestage, Covent Garden and the prestigious Red Cross Gala Ball in London’s Royal Albert Hall. He also had the pleasure of providing backing vocals for Josh Groban on two separate occasions at the 3 Arena.
Todd now lives in San Francisco but loves having the opportunity to perform in his native New Ross, most recently performing the National Anthems for New Ross’s Presidents Day Celebrations for the White House Historical Association and he is excited to be part of the Kennedy Summer School.
For further details and tickets for the 2024 events see www.kennedysummerschool.ieor call St. Michael’s Theatre on 051 421255. The Kennedy Summer School and Festival is run in association with the Office of Public Works, Failte Ireland, New Ross District Council, Wexford County Council, Purdue University & Boston College.