Thousands to commemorate JFK's visit in Wexford

Thousands of people are expected to visit Co Wexford today for the commemoration to mark 50 years since the visit of John F Kennedy to Ireland.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be on hand in New Ross where a flame which was lit at JFK's grave in the US will be handed over.

A visitor centre at his family homestead in nearby Dunganstown will also be opened.

Chairman of the JFK50 celebrations Michael Sheehan, said the so-called 'Emigrant Flame' is the most important part of the commemorations.

"The highlight of today's event will be this evening when ambassador Jean Kennedy arrives on the shores in New Ross, with a flame that we lit in Arlington from President Kennedy's grave

"It will be installed onto the quayside wall representing the promise that John F Kennedy made in 1963 when he said that he would return in the springtime

"What we are doing is working with the family very closely as a giant family not just locally but nationally and indeed globally, we're celebrating that journey coming a full circle."