Ashford Castle 1984 - Visit of President Ronald & First Lady Nancy Reagan

A series of photos taken by Garda Frank Kelly during the weekend of Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd June 1984 – United States President Ronald and First Lady Mrs. Nancy Reagan on their departure from Ashford Castle, June 3rd. Also the catering for the Gardaí on duty that weekend. 

I can’t remember whether it was Sr. Marie or Mr. Mortimer but it was Geography. Friday June 1st 1984, my summer geography test and I was dreading it. Dad woke me early in a panic. Catering company were short staffed and would I go work for them in Cong. Would I what? Getting off school in our house meant family calamity or major  illness. Getting out of my summer test, oh yes, yes, yes, I would work. I’d have done it for free. Mam though, how to get it past her? Fortunately she busy looking after the many out of town Gardaí staying in our house at the time. Bingo.

Off I went to the field in front of the main gate at Ashford Castle. There were marquees and many, many Guards, Garda cars and even a Black Maria or two. We made packed lunches (the white carrier bags in the photo) for Guards on duty throughout the woods, around the castle, the village of Cong and surrounding area. Pay rate was good, we worked hard and much fun was had.

Photos from a distance so not very clear, still, a moment in time. Memories!

10. Presidential take off
Photo Frank Kelly
11. Departure
Photo Frank Kelly
12. Departure
Photo Frank Kelly
13. Press Helicopter
Photo Frank Kelly
14. Last few stragglers
Photo Frank Kelly
1. President Reagan exits Ashford Castle
Photo Frank Kelly
2. President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.
Photo Frank Kelly
2. CROP of President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.
Photo Frank Kelly
3. President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.
Photo Frank Kelly
3. CROP of President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.
Photo Frank Kelly
4. Presidential Party & Press Photographers
Photo Frank Kelly
5. 'Reviewing the situation' Senior Gardaí
Photo Frank Kelly
6. Balla Pipe Band lead the Presidential Party
Photo Frank Kelly
7. Balla Pipe Band, Emergency Services
Photo Frank Kelly
8. Balla Pipe Band, Emergency Services
Photo Frank Kelly
9. Helicopters
Photo Frank Kelly
15. Farewell to Ashford
Photo Frank Kelly
16. Feeding the force at Ashford
Photo Frank Kelly
17. Dinner Queue, Ashford
Photo Frank Kelly
18. Lunch and Dinner balancing act
Photo Frank Kelly
19. Centre Sgt. Paul Mc Walter (Kilmaine), Right Garda Frank Kelly (Shrule)
Photo Frank Kelly (Ballinrobe)
20. Catering at Ashford
Photo Frank Kelly

Comments about this page

  • I was there, US Army. We handled all telecommunications. Set up next to Dungeon Pub. Best trip I was ever on with the President. Fell in love with Jenny O’Dowd. She worked switchboard at Ashford Castle. Think of her all the time. Love your country and its people.

    Try to track Jenny O’Dowd for me and pass contact info on.

    Thank you very much.

     

    By Henry Rosendale (04/06/2023)

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