THE four-day visit to Ireland by US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Jun 1963 is seen as a turning point in the country’s modern history, writes Ray Ryan

The Taoiseach paid tribute to the “palpable strength of connections” between Ireland and America as he laid flowers at the memorial site for the victims of last month’s bombings in the city.

Technology specialists behind the London 2012 Olympic Torch have arrived in New Ross to work on the newly built Emigrant Flame, which will be lit by members of the Kennedy family and the Taoiseach this summer.

The people behind an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland said they are “cautiously optimistic” that president Barack Obama will take part in the celebrations in Wexford this June.