Glasnevin Trust is governed by the Dublin Cemeteries Committee established by Daniel O'Connell in 1828. Glasnevin Trust includes Glasnevin, Goldenbridge, Palmerstown, Dardistown and Newlands Cross Cemeteries, Florists and Monument Works in each cemetery as well as Glasnevin Museum. As both the guardian and storyteller for over 1.5 million people, these people helped shape the Ireland of today. We want to share their stories and times with you through tours of the cemetery, a visit to the museum or through a genealogy search for your family history.Glasnevin Museum is the world's first cemetery museum. Visitors can explore the history and the lives of more than 1.5 million people that are buried here.Awarded Best Cultural Experience in Ireland at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards, Glasnevin is now one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions and is firmly established on the list of best things to do in Dublin. The story of modern Ireland is told through interactive exhibitions, dramatic re-enactments and daily walking tours.

In this Podcast, Bridget Sheerin leads a walking tour.

A commemorative plauqe was unveiled in Ballyhaunis Co Mayo, on March 30th 2017 to honour Lance Corporal Patrick "Bob" Gallagher

Lance Corporal Patrick "Bob" Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross for bravery, having been drafted into the service of his adopted country, he willingly served. While under fire Patrick Gallagher showed his extraordinary heroism and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from probable injury and possible loss of life. His daring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Cpl Patrick Gallagher, an immigrant on a green-card who lived, worked & attended school in New York prior to being drafted, (including canvassing for Senator Robert Kennedy), chose service over walking away, and offered himself to protect others. He also represents the courage of being one of 3,000 Irish men & women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam, and was one of 29 Irish to have been killed in action there. This recognizes the many contributions of foreign nationals in U.S. Navy, U.S Marines & Armed Forces throughout our history, voluntarily serving with loyalty, honor & commitment to their adopted country.This honor could be recognition for the families of those enlistees of foreign birth who have served our country in support of our countries principles & protection around the world: A US Navy ship afloat with this heritage would be a welcome reminder to those at home that their loved one's service and perhaps ultimate sacrifice, were remembered by us, the citizens, members of our Armed Forces and the government of the United States of America. We herewith request our representatives support, in the appropriate committees of Defense oversight in both the House and Senate, in raising this request at every opportunity with the Secretary of the NavyDuring an operation in the summer of 1966, Patrick saved the lives of a number of his comrades when he threw himself on a grenade that had landed in the dugout the Marines were occupying. Fortunately, the grenade didn’t go off immediately and Patrick had an opportunity to throw it out. The grenade exploded a safe distance away; Patrick and his comrades were safe. For his bravery that night, Patrick was awarded a Navy Cross medal. On March 30th 1967,the day that Patrick died, Patrick’s platoon was on a routine patrol to protect villagers as they harvested their rice in the hills north of the city of Da Nang, in an area that had already seen much fighting. The rice paddies suddenly erupted in gunfire when they were attacked by Viet Cong soldiers who were lying in wait.

Paul Kehoe TD was appointed Minister with Responsibility for Defence in May 2016. Paul previously served as the Government Chief Whip & Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach & Defence. Minister Kehoe has also been a TD for County Wexford since he was first elected to the Dail in May 2002.He represented the Government at the commemoration of Cpl Patrick (Bob) Gallagher in Ballhaunis in March 2017.

Diana Beresford-Kroeger, Irish-Canadian scientist and acclaimed author, brings the story of ancient sacred trees to the heart of the Boreal Forest in the new documentary Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees. The film will be screening across Canada launching in Guelph and Vancouver this month. (see below for screening dates across the Country)The documentary film Call of the Forest has a magical quality that carries us into the world's ancient forests, transporting us into a world of surprising beauty. Starting in Canada, Ms. Beresford-Kroeger’s journey spans the globe in search of the scientists, foresters and activists working to protect and replant the world's northern forests. The film explores the science, folklore, and history of this essential ecosystem. Beresford-Kroeger reminds us that when we improve our profound human connection to woodlands we can, not only, restore our health - we can restore our planet."Forests are the great protectors of our world,” says Beresford-Kroeger, "they keep the human family alive, and healthy, and prospering. They are like a green blanket protecting us from climate change, preserving our water systems, and maintaining a complex network of biodiversity. Call of the Forest offers a simple, achievable strategy for each of us to combat climate change by replanting forests in our own neighbourhoods. I am asking each person to plant one tree a year for six years, and by doing so we can all join together to help preserve the global forest."Jeff McKay, the Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, says "This film offers an opportunity to travel to remote and beautiful old growth forests, to learn how these are the building blocks of our world." He adds that, "For so many of us - it's hard to believe it but we are at a turning point, and I want to help people reconnect with forests - and the trees in our own backyard and neighbourhood. Planting trees can only help as atmospheric carbon levels have now exceeded 404 parts per million, higher than ever recorded in human history."

Jimmy Laffey of Skehana about his research on the Down Survey of Ireland. The 17th century ‘Down Survey’ resulted in the first systematic mapping of Ireland, with unprecedented levels of organisation and accuracy. It proved a milestone in Irish and world cartography and its maps were used as a record of land tenure until the advent of the Irish Ordnance Survey in the 1820s. Jimmy’s presentation outlined the historical context which brought about the survey, its planning and measurement and its hugely significant resource for us in the form of maps, Books of Distribution and Survey and the information now merged and contained online in the Down Survey site.

Jimmy Laffey is Public Relations Officer with the Skehana & District Heritage Group and supports the Heritage Section of Galway County Council in the delivery and implementation of its many and varied projects. In the very recent past these have included numerous events relating to Galway’s 1916 Rising Commemorations and in particular its award winning Decade of Commemorations website, Cumann na mBan publications and seminars and the highly acclaimed Farming & Country Life event at Teagasc Headquarters in Mellows Campus, Athenry.

The Whileaways see three distinct voices combining to weave a beguiling tapestry of harmonies and beautifully crafted original songs. Their sound is true, their performances gloriously engaging. Noriana Kennedy, Nicola Joyce and Noelie Mc Donnell came to know each other’s singing over a number of years, playing in sessions in the folk melting pot of Galway city. Dipping their toe in the water as a trio, they were hailed as ‘a knockout of the festival’ at the legendary Port Fairy Folk Festival, Australia in 2012. Their debut album in 2013 was an "audacious debut" "rich in its lyrical tapestry"  and received four stars in the Irish Times and RTE Album of the Week.  Since their first release they have performed on some of the most prestiguous stages such as Tonder Folk Festival, Sligo Live and The Open House Festival in Belfast.  The Whileaways' second album 'Saltwater Kisses' released in 2015 ensures that the band continue to cut a confident trail in roots music and woo audiences with their sincerity and perfect simplicity.

The disused Waterford to Dungarvan Railway has now been converted into ... the remaining 22kms from Kilmacthomas to Waterford City opened on March 25th 2017. Minister Simon Coveney performed the opening cermony and discusses the tourist attractions along the Greenway.

Irish Film Festival of Ottawa; Director:John Butler of Handsome Devil: Ned and Conor are forced to share a bedroom at their boarding school. The loner and the star athlete at this rugby-mad school form an unlikely friendship until it's tested by the authorities.

Alan Gillis is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and teaches English literature at the University of Edinburgh. He recently coedited The Oxford Handbook of Modern Irish Poetry (Oxford University Press, 2012). He attended the 2017 Versefest in Ottawa.