Curragh History
@curraghhistory
The History of The Curragh of Kildare, researched and presented to you by amateur local historian Matt McNamara.
NOTICE OF EXERCISE: Óglaigh na hÉireann wish to inform the general population in the vicinity of Whitewater Shopping Centre (WWSC) in Newbridge, Co Kildare, that this evening (9th June), Irish Special Operations Forces (IRLSOF), the Army Ranger Wing, in conjunction with the Air…
The Leinster Leader of this day 80 years ago, gave an account of the death of Sergeant John Mulpeter from Rathangan, Co. Kildare. John was the much respected Platoon Sergeant of “Paddy’s Platoon”, 7th Bn, The London Rifle Brigade. curragh.info/archives/SgtJo…
In April 1913, the Connaught Rangers were All-Army Cross-Country champions at the Curragh Camp. They had won the prestigious cup in five previous competitions. The cup was presented by Brigadier-General Ferguson, General Officer Commanding the 5th Division curragh.info/archives/Cross…
Remembering Comdt. Thomas P. Wickham, who’s anniversary occurs today. Comdt. Wickham was killed while serving as an UN Observer in Syria with the UNTSO Mission in 1967, may his sacrifice and that of his family be always remembered. curragh.info/archives/Comdt…
In June 1855, construction of a permanent Curragh Camp was well underway. However, it was the discovery of a reliable, fresh water source under the Curragh plains that made the camp sustainable. curragh.info/archives/CampC…
In September 1939, just days after the state of emergency was declared, there was a bad day for the Irish Army when three dispatch riders lost their lives in training. The accidents occurred in South Kildare, not too far from the Curragh Camp. curragh.info/archives/Dispa…
A look back to 1965 and the retirement of Battalion Sergeant Major Danny Douglas of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, “The Bloods”. An outstanding sportsman in many disciplines, Danny went of to coach and mentor many 3rd Bn Teams and local GAA Teams.
An interesting newspaper article from 1905 on the history of The Curragh of Kildare and Kildare town. Both well worth a visit and see St. Brigid’s Cathedral and various Abbeys, Round Tower or just a pleasant walk on the Curragh plains. curragh.info/archives/Curra…
Almost 125 years ago, the Irish Derby at The Curragh Racecourse, special trains from Dublin ,returning that evening from the Curragh Stand House platform. All aboard……
On St. Patrick’s Day 1909, the marriage between Miss Eva Crozier and Lieutenant W. D. Allen of the Black Watch, took place at St. Paul’s Garrison Church, Curragh Camp. After the ceremony, the wedding reception took place at the nearby Castlemartin House. curragh.info/archives/Weddi…
In 1861, the Prince of Wales, while undergoing military training at the Curragh Camp was entertained by the one and only Signor L. Bosco, the renowned wizard, who entertained the court of Russia, France, Prussia, Sweden and UK. He died in Germany in 1863. curragh.info/archives/Germa…
In a report to the Curragh Commission in 1866, a submission was given on the breakdown of the prisoner committals to the Poor House and Naas Jail in 1865. The majority committals were women and assumed to be from “The Curragh Wren”. curragh.info/archives/TheCu…
In 1843, the Irish Rebel poem “THE SHAN VAN VOCHT” was reprinted in The Dublin Weekly Register newspaper. The poem remembering the 1796 French expedition to Ireland, known in French as the Expédition d'Irlande ("Expedition to Ireland").
In September 1973, at the height of the Northern Ireland troubles, British Prime Minister Edward Heath flew into Baldonnel Aerodrome. Prior to his visit a large scale military exercise, code-named “Mainstay” took place at the Curragh Camp. curragh.info/archives/ExMai…
The Curragh Camp was a vital training for the British Army’s campaign in South Africa. Many Irish Regiments of the British Army participated in the war. This is an account of just two Curragh Camp boys who died there on the 24th August 1901. curragh.info/archives/BoerW…
In July 1861, a grand military review of over 10,000 troops took place on the Curragh plains. The review was held by the Prince of Wales while undergoing military training at the Curragh Camp and attached to the Grenadier Guards. curragh.info/archives/Royal…
In January 1901, the 3rd Dragoon Guards were inspected at the Curragh Camp by Major-General Upton Prior, Commander Curragh District. The Dragoon’s would soon be on their way to South Africa and participate in the 2nd Boer War (1899-1902). curragh.info/archives/Drago…
In May 1858, an article in the Waterford News, reminded people about the folklore in County Kildare and how the Earl of Kildare makes his appearance every seven years, riding his white horse across the Curragh plains. curragh.info/archives/Irish…
In June 1828, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland visited the Curragh to attend the race meeting held there. The former distinguished military officer who lost his leg at the Battle of Waterloo, reviewed the assembled troops there. curragh.info/archives/LordL…
