CURRAGH, 21 April 2002: by Bill Trapman. There has been very strong interest in a planned reunion of former residents of the Curragh Camp, which will he beld in the camp on Saturday 1 June.
Up to 600 former soldiers and civilian workers who lived in the Army camp are expected at the event, the first of its scale and following a reunion three years ago of members of Clarke Mess, which was held in a Naas hotel.
The day will include an ecumenical service for deceased service men and women and their families, followed by a presentation on the history of the Curragh. The day will conclude with a buffet and music and dancing in the New Mess at Ceannt Barracks.
“As far as we are aware this is the first such reunion to take place since the Irish State took over around 80 years ago,” says John Dwyer, secretary of the Curragh Camp Reunion. “It is being held with the full support of the Curragh Command and Brigadier-General Saunders.”
John emphasises that an area of the premises where the event is taking place is being set aside for those who wish to renew acquaintances without the distraction of the music - a good idea when there will in all liklihood be many stories and memories to be related between those attending.
John can be contacted at 087 8338313 for bookings, which are already very high. “We’re getting enquiries from all over, and there are even rumours that tickets have been sold out, but that’s not the case,” he says.
Tickets for the event are 20 euros each.
©2002knn