By Emma Costigan
After her stint on Dancing with the Stars, it wasn’t on our bingo card to see Eileen Dunne dressed up to the nines in a 1920s flapper costume.
Yet that’s exactly what the retired RTÉ star did as she donned a cool black ‘fit, dramatic pearls, and a black headpiece to announce the launch of the 2025 Kennedy Summer School in a Gatsby-themed photoshoot.
The line-up of dynamic events, which take place in New Ross from Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, August 30, confirms it as one of Ireland’s most distinguished and cultural festivals, and what better woman to chair such a festival than Eileen!?
The festival combines international insight, Irish identity, and lively debate in a setting that continues to honour the Kennedy family’s legacy.
Speaking at the launch, Eileen 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 programme launches on Thursday with a Schools STEM Event featuring key voices from SETU and Research Ireland. Then, the Arboretum hosts a celebratory Tea Party with broadcaster Seán O’Rourke and musical entertainment by Sharon Clancy, compered by Seán Connick.
Eileen will lead the official opening on Thursday evening, followed by a special screening and discussion of the film From That Small Island – The Story of the Irish.
On Friday, there’s a centenary celebration of F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and later that day, a senior member of government will address the Speakers’ Lunch.
After the Speakers’ Lunch at the JFK Arboretum, the action returns to the theatre for a panel on the role of local journalism. The evening concludes with a panel entitled President Trump & Us.
Saturday’s programme opens with a public Gatsby Centenary panel. The topic of trade and international business takes centre stage at the 11am session.
The festival will close with a forum on the upcoming Irish Presidential election, followed by a rousing performance from the New Ross District Pipe Band.