Business Plus to Partner with The Kennedy Summer School
Business Plus has been unveiled as the Media Partner of The Kennedy Summer School for 2025.
The Kennedy Summer School is a distinguished annual festival celebrating Irish and American history, politics, and culture.
Held over three days in New Ross, County Wexford, events are hosted at landmark venues, including the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, St. Michael’s Theatre, and the Dunbrody Visitor Centre—located on the very quayside from which JFK’s great-grandfather departed for America in 1848.
With a wide-ranging programme of keynote talks, high-profile interviews, spirited debates, and thought-provoking presentations, the KSS has established itself as a flagship event on both the Irish and Irish-American cultural and political calendars.
The initiative aims to elevate the visibility of New Ross, foster transatlantic ties in tourism, education and commerce, and attract national attention across political, media, and digital platforms.
As media partner, Business Plus will provide in-depth previews and coverage in 2025, promoting the Kennedy Summer School across its influential print, online, and social media channels.
“We are delighted to announce this new media partnership with Business Plus magazine. Business Plus shares our commitment to fostering informed discussion on the key issues shaping Ireland’s future.
"This collaboration will help us bring our unique mix of politics, history, culture and public affairs at the KSS to an even wider audience,” said Eileen Dunne, Chairperson, Kennedy Summer School.
Paul Henderson, CEO of dmg media and publisher of Business Plus, commented: “Since its inception, the Kennedy Summer School has played a vital role in nurturing cultural, societal, and business connections.
"In today’s world, such relationships are more important than ever—across this island and across the Atlantic.
"As Ireland’s leading business publication, Business Plus has been delivering trusted business news and expert analysis to readers for over 25 years.
"Through this new collaboration, we’re proud to help share the thoughtful dialogue and diverse perspectives that emerge from New Ross each summer".
This year’s speakers include Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs, author Colm Tóibín, Dr Brian Murphy director of the Kennedy Summer School, Dr. Aisling McEvoy, Head of Enterprise Partnerships at Research Ireland and president of the GAA, Jarlath Burns.
Launched in September 2012 in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s historic visit to New Ross, the Summer School was established by the late barrister, author, and Irish Times columnist Noel Whelan, alongside William Keilthy, then Vice-Chair of the John F. Kennedy Trust, and Seán Reidy, then Chief Executive of the Trust.
Rooted in New Ross’s enduring connection with the Kennedy family, the Summer School advances the mission of the John F. Kennedy Trust and the New Ross Municipal District Council.
It aligns with cornerstone initiatives, including the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, the Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown, the Kennedy Book and Research Archive at New Ross Library, and the John F. Kennedy Arboretum—all of which welcome visitors year-round to explore and engage with ‘The Emigrant Trail.’
GAA President Jarlath Burns is one of the speakers at this year's Kennedy Summer School.
The Kennedy Summer School further serves as a conduit between New Ross and a broad network of academic, cultural, and tourism institutions in Ireland and internationally.
Its ongoing success is made possible through the support of Wexford County Council, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland, Purdue University and the Purdue Policy Research Institute, South East Technological University, Boston College, Maynooth University (NUI Maynooth), and the New Ross Municipal District.
The Kennedy Summer School 2025 takes place from 28th to 30th August, 2025, in New Ross, Co. Wexford.
For further information, see https://www.kennedysummerschool.ie/about/
Photo: The 2025 Kennedy Summer School has been officially launched by festival chair Eileen Dunne. Photo Mary Browne.
