In the days that followed the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Washington, D.C. became the center of an extraordinary state funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the globe—including Ireland’s President Éamon de Valera.
The telegram that changed everything
On 22 November 1963, Irish Ambassador Thomas J. Kiernan received the official telegram announcing Kennedy’s assassination. Kiernan, who had played a key role in planning Kennedy’s Irish visit, now faced the somber task of representing Ireland during a time of grief.
Messages of condolence
President de Valera’s handwritten draft of a telegram to Jacqueline Kennedy, sent at 9:10 p.m. on the day of the assassination, reflects the depth of Ireland’s sorrow. Additional messages were dispatched to President Lyndon B. Johnson and to Joseph Kennedy, the late President’s father.
A Constitutional step
Under Article 12.9 of the Irish Constitution, the President cannot leave the State without government consent. On 23 November 1963, an official letter confirmed approval for President de Valera to attend Kennedy’s funeral on behalf of the Irish people.
Protocol and ceremony
The funeral service at St. Matthew’s Cathedral on 25 November 1963 was attended by 1,200 guests from over 90 nations. Protocol documents reveal meticulous planning, including dress codes and seating arrangements. Notably, there was no provision for ambassadors’ spouses to attend the service.
Behind the scenes
During the visit, President de Valera and his entourage stayed at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. A memo dated 13 December 1963 details gratuities paid to hotel staff—a glimpse into the practicalities of a solemn diplomatic mission.
Ireland’s military tribute
At Jacqueline Kennedy’s special request, 26 cadets from the Irish Army’s 37th Cadet Class performed a silent drill at Arlington National Cemetery—a gesture of respect that echoed Kennedy’s own visit to Arbor Hill in Dublin earlier that year. The drill, executed without commands, is reserved for funerals and memorials.
These documents and photographs remind us of the deep bond between Ireland and President Kennedy—a relationship rooted in shared heritage and mutual respect. Sixty years on, the memory of those days of mourning continues to resonate, underscoring Ireland’s role in honouring one of America’s most beloved leaders.