Posted online: Feb 4th, 2008

By Lisa-Anne  Crookes

A little bit of Kildare history was made this week when  the Curragh Camp played host to its first ever council meeting.

Members and officials from Kildare  County Council left their modern offices at Aras Cill Dara in Naas to visit the army base on Monday  to hold their monthly meeting . 

It was the first time the military base was used for such an event  and  the occasion was marked  with presentations  and speeches,  as well as a tour of the facilities at the camp and military college.

Brigadier  General  Sean McCann was thanked by Kildare’s Mayor,  Mary Glennon  on behalf  of her council  colleagues  for the invitation to the camp.

Mayor Glennon described the meeting as ‘historic’ and praised the military personnel  present  for their professionalism and hospitality.

“This place is such a great  back bone for every cultural,  sporting and community organisation in the county.  Irish soldiers have gained such a good name for themselves abroad and that is the result of the training they receive here from such intelligent   and committed people,” she said.

Following official presentations,  the serious business of the meeting followed with councillors turning the Infantry Weapons Wing of the Military College  into their council  chambers  for the next two hours.