Former RTÉ broadcaster Eileen Dunne is the new chairperson of the Kennedy Summer School, replacing New Ross man Willie Keilthy, who drove the festival forward, along with the late festival founder Noel Whelan, for over a decade.
The festival of Irish American politics and culture, runs every autumn over three days of talks from a diverse range of speakers, drawing hundreds to New Ross and generating an estimated €250,000 for the local economy.
The directors of the annual Kennedy Summer School have expressed their thanks and gratitude to Mr Keilthy for his dedication to the festival, following his decision to step down from his long-standing role.
The Kennedy Summer School was originally founded in 2012 by the late Noel Whelan alongside Willie Keilthy and Sean Reidy and has evolved into a cornerstone event in New Ross’ calendar of festivities. Its mission to foster dialogue and intellectual exchange has made it a beacon of cultural and educational enrichment.
Speaking of his decision Mr Keilthy said: “I have been honoured to chair the Kennedy Summer School for the past ten years and have thoroughly enjoyed the role. Working closely with my fellow directors Dr Brian Murphy, Larry Donnelly, Dr Charles Larkin, Dr Matthew Jebb, Sinead McSweeney, Prof Bríona Nic Diarmada, Eamonn Hore and Eileen Dunne it’s been my privilege to witness the annual event grow and develop the international status it enjoys today.
“But now is the right time for me to step down and I’m delighted to pass the baton onto Eileen Dunne who will officially take over from me on July 4 when she will launch the school’s very exciting 2024 programme.”
Director of the Kennedy Summer School Dr Brian Murphy said: “Willie has been an incredible leader for the Kennedy Summer School through the good and the sad times, from the highs of securing some top global guests and making all the necessary arrangements, to the very sad loss of the late Noel Whelan and Dr Bob Mauro of Boston College, and in navigating and delivering the summer school through Covid times.
“There has been no task Willie hasn’t been able to overcome. On behalf of all of the directors of the Kennedy Summer School we thank him sincerely for his dedication, his wisdom and passion that he brought to the table so abundantly each year – thank you, Willie.”
In welcoming Eileen Dunne to the role Director Larry Donnelly said: “Eileen is a distinguished figure in the world of journalism and a director of the school for the past five years, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position. Having served as a journalist and news presenter for RTÉ before her retirement in 2022, Dunne’s tenure at the national broadcaster has endowed her with a deep understanding of current affairs and communication. Her dedication to the school’s values and her commitment to its continued growth make her an ideal candidate to lead the Kennedy Summer School into its next chapter.”
Under Dunne’s stewardship, the Kennedy Summer School is poised to build upon its legacy, further enriching the relationship between New Ross and the USA, particularly fostering the partnership with Boston College, Massachusetts, and Purdue University, Indiana. As she steps into her new role, she expresses her enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the school’s ongoing success.
Details of the 2024 programme for the Summer School are also to be announced in the coming week, with the official launch of the Kennedy Summer School 2024 programme set to take place on Thursday, July 4, at an event in Boston College, Dublin.
David Looby
© New Ross Standard
