State papers: JFK's wife Jackie requested Irish army cadets take part in his funeral

President John F Kennedy speaking at Cork City Hall during his visit to the city in June 1963.

President John F Kennedy's wife, Jackie, phoned the Irish Embassy in Washington just hours after his assassination in Dallas 60 years ago to request that cadets from the Irish army participate in his State funeral.

Secret papers released by the National Archives reveal Irish officials took immediate steps to respond to Mrs Kennedy’s call in recognition of the historic significance of members of the Defence Forces having a role in the funeral of the Irish-American president.