31 July 2018
PRESIDENT HIGGINS TO BE GUEST AT JFK MEMORIAL
PARK 50 TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER SATURDAY 8TH
SEPTEMBER.
The Office of Public Works has announced that President Michael D Higgins will
be the guest of honour and keynote speaker at a special dinner to mark the
50 th Anniversary year of the JFK Memorial Park and Arboretum at New Ross on
Saturday 8 th Septemeber next. The special dinner will also mark the end of this
year’s Kennedy Summer School.
President Eamonn De Valera officially opened the JFK Memorial Park and
Arboretum near New Ross in May 1968. To mark this 50th anniversary year, the
Office of Public Works will present a day of unique tours, talks, workshops and
special events at the park on Saturday 8 th September next.
The day will conclude with the gala dinner at the JFK Memorial Park &
Arboretum Marquee to celebrate this important milestone for the arboretum and
to mark the close of the 2018 summer school. The dinner will be preceded by a
formal tree planting and the launch of a new commissioned guide for the
Arboretum.
Commenting on the announcement Commissioner of the Office of Public
Works John McMahon said, "We are delighted to partner with the JFK Summer
School to celebrate such a significant milestone for the JFK Memorial Park and
Arboretum. We are honoured that President Michael D Higgins can join us at what
promises to be a wonderful conclusion to a thought provoking and stimulating few
days”.
Welcoming the announcement of the President’s visit Mr William Keithy, Chair of
the Kennedy Summer School said:
“The Kennedy Summer School has grown from strength to strength each year and
it is indeed a great honour on the occasion of our sixth annual summer school
weekend to have the President of Ireland participating in our closing event. It will
be a wonderful occasion to mark the 50 th Anniversary of JFK Memorial Park and
Arboretum and a great testament to the work of all who are involved in re-
enforcing links between the Kennedy family heritage and the local area.
President Higgins will get a very warm New Ross welcome”
