Zimbabwean PM Robert Mugabe's 'relaxing break' in Kildare Mansion

Wednesday, 28 December 2022 10:45

By Clem Ryan

Zimbabwean PM Mugage Invited to Castlemartin House

According to a report in today's Irish Examiner, by reporter Sean McCárthaigh, businessman Tony O’Reilly allowed the controversial African leader, Robert Mugabe, to stay in his luxury country house in Co. Kildare in 1992 in order to allow the Zimbabwean president to get over the death of his first wife.

Newly-released State papers show the well-known former Ireland and Lions rugby international offered Mugabe the use of his 18th-century mansion in Castlemartin, Kilcullen, as well as his private jet to allow the president "a relaxing break".

Files show officials believed there was a case of “something more” for Mugabe as he was “a political figure of international stature….and it would be important to avoid possibly giving offence”.

According to the Irish Examiner report, Files show Mugabe knew Mr O’Reilly from the businessman’s regular trips to Zimbabwe and the Irish entrepreneur had suggested the visit to Ireland when they met shortly after the death of Mugabe’s wife.

Mr O’Reilly had also offered Mugabe the use of two five-star hotels in which he had a shareholding at the time, Ashford Castle, in Mayo and Dromoland Castle, County Clare.

More from Local News

Lights Too Bright? Drivers Claim LEDs Pose Growing Risk

Audio

Locals have told Kfm that this has also been a major problem.
Tóibín: Ógra To Be ‘Far More’ Integrated With Senior Party Following Racist Message Fallout

Audio

New members will also have to undergo training.
Ladies Senior Camogie Final Celebrated In Dark Amid Claims Stadium Lights Cut Before Cup Presentation

The incident occurred at Cedral St. Conleth’s Park, the first camogie fixture played at the redeveloped venue since it reopened last year.
Fire-Damaged M9 Lights At Castledermot Roundabout Await ESB Switch-On, Which Could Take Weeks

The lights have been out since August due to fire damage at a junction overseen by motorway contractor Egis Lagan.
Kildare TD Hits Out At Former MEP Mick Wallace For Sharing AI Clip Showing Connolly In Balaclava With Gun

Ó Cearúil, who has repeatedly highlighted the dangers of artificial intelligence misuse, said the clip risks overshadowing what should be a reflective and unifying period ahead of Connolly’s inauguration on 11 November.
€6m Legal Bill Adds To Rising Costs At National Children’s Hospital

The hospital is already set to be the most expensive health infrastructure project in the history of the State, which is being managed by Kill-based contractor BAM.
Horse Believed To Have Been Driven At Gardaí During Citywest Riots Found Collapsed And Injured

Gardaí in Tallaght called the Moyvalley-based rescue organisation earlier today after the animal was discovered on the ground, unable to stand and suspected of suffering from colic.
Kildare County Council Announces Climate Week 2025

The week will feature ten events across the county.