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

Dancer and musician Michael Flatley, author Colm Tóibín, and tenor Michael Londra have been confirmed as part of Irish celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit.

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.