Events in the year 1963 in Ireland. Incumbents President: Éamon de Valera Taoiseach: Seán Lemass (FF) Tánaiste: Seán MacEntee (FF) Minister for Finance: James Ryan Chief Justice: Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh Dáil: 17th Seanad: 10th Events 24 January – The Minister for Justice, Charles Haughey, announced that the government proposed to abolish the death penalty. 29 January – A new control tower opened at Shannon Airport. 20 May – The Minister for Education, Patrick Hillery, announced plans for comprehensive schools and regional technical colleges. 3 June – Teilifís Éireann closed down immediately after its 9 pm news bulletin as a mark of respect following the death of Pope John XXIII. Visit by John F Kennedy 26 June – President Kennedy of the United States arrived in Ireland for a four-day visit. He was greeted at Dublin Airport by President De Valera and Taoiseach Seán Lemass. His motorcade to the Phoenix Park was met by large crowds in O'Connell Street and Dame Street. 27 June – Kennedy flew to New Ross by helicopter where he made a speech to a crowd. He drove to his ancestral home nearby in Dunganstown where he met extended family. Afterwards he flew to Wexford where he was given the freedom of the town. That evening, he attended a garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin, home of the Irish president, and afterwards attended a state dinner hosted in his honour by the Taoiseach at Iveagh House in Dublin. 28 June – Kennedy flew to Cork by helicopter. After a motorcade through the crowded city, he was awarded the freedom of the city. Back in Dublin in the afternoon, he visited Arbour Hill where he laid a wreath at the graves of executed leaders of 1916 Rising. Afterwards, he visited Leinster House where he became the first statesman to address both Houses of the Oireachtas. At Dublin Castle, he was conferred with degrees of Doctor of Laws by both the National University of Ireland and by Dublin University. He was also awarded the freedom of the city of Dublin. 29 June – Kennedy flew by helicopter to Galway. His motorcade took him to City Hall where he was made a freeman of Galway. He made a speech to a large crowd in Eyre Square. Another motorcade took him to his helicopter in Salthill from where he flew to Limerick where he landed at Greenpark Racecourse. He was conferred