Minister Paul Kehoe confirms Caroline Kennedy’s attendance at JFK50 events in New Ross

Minister of State Paul Kehoe announced this weekend that Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the late U.S.A President John F Kennedy will be guest of honour at the JFK50 celebrations in Ireland and New Ross next June.

Minister Kehoe said;

” I was requested by an Taoiseach Enda Kenny to co-ordinate the national events surrounding the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in 1963 and to liaise with the Kennedy family about their participation. I am delighted that Caroline has accepted the Taoiseach’s invitation to attend. I can also confirm that former Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith will also be attending as a special guest, along with the likely attendance of newly elected Congressman Joseph Kennedy. I am sure many other members of the Kennedy family will also be in New Ross next June and young Bobby Kennedy has already indicated to me that he will be back to New Ross for the JFK50 celebrations”.

In the days leading up to the celebrations in New Ross in June , Minister Kehoe has confirmed that there will be a dinner in Caroline Kennedy’s honour hosted by the Taoiseach in Iveagh House on the 20th of June which will replicate the State Dinner held to welcome President Kennedy at the same venue in 1963. “The settings and the menus from that occasion are being reproduced.” Minister Kehoe said.

“However, I am ensuring that the main focus of the celebrations will be in New Ross, and I can confirm that the Taoiseach will be attending all the events in New Ross on the 22nd of June with Caroline Kennedy”.

Final details of the events in New Ross on the 22nd of June will be announced at special reception hosted by the OPW at Kennedy Park on Friday 25th January. Minster Brian Hayes will be in attendance and he will be outlining a further programme of events which the OPW will be holding the celebrate the 50th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit.

Minister Kehoe also said that “ it is very fortunate that , as well as the events being planned, major capital investments at the Dunbrody, the New Ross Quayside and the Eternal Flame, have come to fruition in time for the 50th Anniversary of JFK’s visit , and Minister Hayes will be announcing further investment at Dunganstown and Kennedy Park next week. All this investment will leave a lasting legacy that will ensure that New Ross will become one of Ireland’s main tourist destinations.”

“I would like to commend the work of the OPW , Wexford County Council , New Ross Town Council, the JFK Trust and the Grennan family in Dunganstown ,who have all being working tirelessly to make sure that 2013 is a very special year for New Ross and County Wexford”.