RTÉ legend Eileen Dunne launches exciting festival as Waterford locals invited to attend

Waterford locals interested in all things politics, global affairs and culture will be excited to know that the 2025 Kennedy Summer School has officially been launched in New Ross this week by the festival chair and RTÉ news legend Eileen Dunne. 

The festival is set to take place in New Ross from Thursday, 28 August to Saturday, 30 August and this year promises a great line-up of distinguished guests, international and national discussions and lively debates.

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."

The 2025 Kennedy Summer School promises a dynamic and timely series of conversations and cultural events in New Ross. Waterford locals can delve into topics ranging from US politics to housing, Irish-America to literature.

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The festival kicks off on Thursday morning, 28 August with a Schools STEM Event at the Arboretum which will feature key voices from SETU and Research Ireland such as Patrick Prendergast, Veronica Campbell and Ciarán Seoighe. This event will be moderated by Dr Charles Larkin. 

On Thursday afternoon, the Arboretum will host a Tea Party with broadcaster Seán O’Rourke and musical entertainment will be provided by Sharon Clancy.

The official opening will be that evening at St Michael's Theatre in New Ross which will be led by Eileen Dunne. There will be a special screening and discussion of the film From That Small Island – The Story of the Irish after the official opening. 

Friday will kick off with a centenary celebration of The Great Gatsby at a Schools Literature and Humanities session which will feature American Studies scholars Prof Kirk Curnutt, Prof Lisa Snodgrass, and Christina Kiracofe. Dr Charles Larkin will also moderate this event. 

There will also be a Speakers' Lunch at the JFK Arboretum later on Friday at which a senior member of the government will speak. After this, a panel on the role of local journalism will take place moderated by Southeast Radio’s Alan Corcoran and featuring Brenda Power, Jessica O’Connor, Dave O’Connell, and Bill Forry. 

Acclaimed author Colm Tóibín will also be there on the night in conversation with Sinéad McSweeney. The evening will end with a panel entitled 'President Trump & Us' and will be 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 starts 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.

After this, the discussion will turn to the ever-changing 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.

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