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

Frank Kelly Photos

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!

Photo:1. President Reagan exits Ashford Castle

1. President Reagan exits Ashford Castle

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:2. President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

2. President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:2. CROP of President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

2. CROP of President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:3. President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

3. President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:3. CROP of President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

3. CROP of President and Mrs Reagan, Minister Peter and Mrs Barry.

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:4. Presidential Party & Press Photographers

4. Presidential Party & Press Photographers

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:5. 'Reviewing the situation' Senior GardaĆ­

5. 'Reviewing the situation' Senior GardaĆ­

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:6. Balla Pipe Band lead the Presidential Party

6. Balla Pipe Band lead the Presidential Party

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:7. Balla Pipe Band, Emergency Services

7. Balla Pipe Band, Emergency Services

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:8. Balla Pipe Band, Emergency Services

8. Balla Pipe Band, Emergency Services

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:9. Helicopters

9. Helicopters

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:10. Presidential take off

10. Presidential take off

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:11. Departure

11. Departure

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:12. Departure

12. Departure

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:13. Press Helicopter

13. Press Helicopter

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:14. Last few stragglers

14. Last few stragglers

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:15. Farewell to Ashford

15. Farewell to Ashford

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:16. Feeding the force at Ashford

16. Feeding the force at Ashford

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:17. Dinner Queue, Ashford

17. Dinner Queue, Ashford

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:18. Lunch and Dinner balancing act

18. Lunch and Dinner balancing act

Photo Frank Kelly

Photo:19. Centre Sgt. Paul Mc Walter (Kilmaine), Right Garda Frank Kelly (Shrule)

19. Centre Sgt. Paul Mc Walter (Kilmaine), Right Garda Frank Kelly (Shrule)

Photo Frank Kelly (Ballinrobe)

Photo:20. Catering at Ashford

20. Catering at Ashford

Photo Frank Kelly

This page was added by Caroline (Kelly) Donegan on 13/10/2022.

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