Line-up announced for JFK 50th anniversary celebrations in Wexford

The line-up has been announced for a special 'Homecoming' event taking place in New Ross this summer to mark 50 years since the visit of former US President John F Kennedy.

Wexford ambassador and former RTÉ newsreader Anne Doyle, author Colm Toibín and broadcaster George Hook will join musical acts such as tenor Michael Londra, Grammy Award-winning singer Judy Collins and the New Ross Pipe Band on stage for the celebration on 22 June 2013.

During the ceremony, an 'Emigrant Flame' will be lit on the quayside by the Taoiseach and members of the Kennedy family to remember those who have left Ireland.

The flame, which will be taken from the 'Eternal Flame' on the former president's grave in Arlington National Cemetery, will travel between similar JFK festivals in the US and Liverpool in the UK before its arrival in Ireland.

Irish dancer, musician and performer Michael Flatley, who has family ties in Co Wexford, will take to the stage to narrate the journey and significance of the 'Emigrant Flame' before its symbolic lighting on the quayside.

Testing the 'Emigrant Flame' on the Quayside in New Ross

Commenting at the launch, chair of the JFK50 event, Michael Sheehan said, 'We are delighted to launch the line-up for the ‘The Homecoming’ on 22 June and thanks to all the people who are giving their time and effort to make this so special.'

'Like the whole year, it is an event to remember the past and celebrate the future. This is your chance to be part of history and celebrate with some of Wexford's best who are joining us for this momentous occasion.' 

He continued, 'we hope that people from near and far will come along and enjoy the festivities and the celebrations in memory of President Kennedy. It is now time to ask not what your county can do for you but what you can do for your county.'

The celebrations kick off at 3pm with an all-American style Homecoming parade and a guard of honour from the Irish Naval Service. 

For those unable to attend the event on 22 June, a brand new 'Emigrant Trail' telling the Kennedy story will be launched, allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of President Kennedy’s historic visit of 1963. 

The trail features three key heritage sites on a 15-mile stretch in the vicinity of New Ross.

Categories: JFK, Wexford, Ireland, Emigrants