Taoiseach’s high praise for Kennedy Summer School
Discussion about religion at the Kennedy Summer School was referenced in debate in the Dáil in mid- October by Deputy Brendan Howlin.
The school was subsequently praised in the parliament by the Taoiseach. The context for this was a discussion in the Dail was on Government- Church dialogue. Deputy Howlin referenced comments that Archbishop Eamon Martin had made in New Ross at the summer school in early September.
In responding the Taoiseach said it was a privilege for him to attend the summer school to pay tribute to Noel Whelan and he said that ‘ the school is going from strength to strength and will show its worth in the years ahead, even more so than it has already’.
Kennedy Summer School Director and lecturer in Technological University Dublin, Dr Brian Murphy said: ‘We were delighted to welcome the Taoiseach and Archbishop Martin to the summer school this year and, of course, Deputy Howlin as a local TD has been a regular participant in our programme of events in New Ross over the years.
‘ The summer school has established a reputation as a leading forum for cutting-edge debate and it has become a space where topics of national importance are considered in a non-adversarial and thoughtful manner.’
Dr Murphy said neither he nor the summer school committee were surprised to see discussions at the Kennedy
Summer School cited in the Dail. ‘ This is because there is an increasing focus on our programme of events for the contribution it is making to public debate and discourse. We really appreciate the Taoiseach’s praise for the Summer School in our national parliament and Willie Kielthy, Larry Donnelly, Dr Bob Mauro, Eileen Dunne, myself and many others associated with the Summer School are doing our utmost to make sure the Kennedy Summer will be a success into the future.
‘Our dear friend and late founder Noel Whelan would have been proud to hear the Taoiseach say that the school “is going from strength to strength”. This is a phrase that Noel often used in relation to both the Summer School and the town of New Ross. Noel has left us a lasting legacy and the Summer School committee are keen to honour his memory by ensuring that the Kennedy Summer School continues to grow and continues to serve the wider interests of New Ross.’