Listen: Unheard message from John F Kennedy to the people of Ireland discovered in Meath
A previously unreleased message to the Irish people by Senator John F Kennedy who also thanks an Irish woman for her 'invaluable contribution' in a US election campaign has come to light in Co. Meath.
The amazing footage found during the Dear Dot exhibition in Trim by the Trim Tourism Network has 'shocked, surprised and excited' organisers.
The recently opened exhibition features letters and memorabilia from Presidents and celebrities to Dot Tubridy, who became a personal friend of the Kennedys.
The two-minute footage from Senator Jack Fitzgerald Kennedy at the close of the Los Angeles convention states: "As you may know, I've been nominated by the Democratic Party to be their standard bearer.
"I wanted to take this opportunity to send my greetings to the people of Ireland.
"All my great-grandparents came here during the potato famine 100 years ago to Boston. This country has been very generous to the Kennedys and the Fitzgeralds but we also think of Ireland
"Ten years ago while staying with my sister in Waterford, I drove to New Ross Wexford and visited the Kennedys in the same house that my great-grandparents had come from so many years ago.
"This is going to be an important election - important for the United States and I think, important for the entire free world. I think we have an excellent chance to win but win or lose, you can be sure that we will fight the good fight and I will have the chance to come back to Ireland again soon."
In a personal message to Dot at the end of the recording, he asks her to return to the United States to help with the election campaign.
"Dear Dot, as always I'm late with this but here is a message to the people of Ireland. If you think it's alright, you can use it in whatever way you think best.
We miss you and hope you're coming back soon. our contribution to the campaign and to the candidate was invaluable in West Virginia and Wisconsin and we feel we're going to need you this fall so come back to the United States soon. We'll put you to work.
David Gorey, vice chairperson of the Trim Tourism Network reckons the footage came from 1959.
"No-one even knew this footage existed before we found it among this treasure trove of memorabila which also includes letters from singers Dean Martin and Bing Crosby.
"The Trim Tourism Network and the Lawlor and Gibson families (Dot's relatives) were left shocked and surprised when we heard it and we even surprised Courtney Kennedy who came to the Trim Visitor Centre to open the three-month long exhibition which is open to all."
