Centenary offers peek into birth of Garda
A DAY of family-friendly events was held in Kildare town yesterday to mark the centenary of An Garda Síochána.
A parade led by the Garda Band kicked off proceedings, followed by a number of addresses given in Market Square. Garda Deputy Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon was among the speakers.
A recreation of the handover of the old Royal Irish Constabulary barracks to the new police force in 1922 was then performed at Cunningham’s pub by the Kildare-based Lord Edward’s Own Re-enactment Group, who later gave demonstrations and information on period weapons and uniforms.
After the re-enactment, the Garda Band led a march to the site of the former Artillery Barracks on Dublin Road.
Kildare Garda Station hosted an open day for the afternoon, with members of the public welcomed in to meet gardaí, including those from specialised units such as the mounted and dog units. There were also vintage cars on display including a couple of Ford Model Ts, as well as face-painting.
Items from the Garda Museum at Dublin Castle were also on display at the Old Courthouse.