First queer history tours to take place at Glasnevin Cemetery
The tour has been researched and written by Glasnevin Cemetery tour guide and researcher Anna Collins who said it will capture stories that have largely gone untold until now.
'This year is a great year to do it because it is 10 years since marriage equality, but what has made it easier is that there is much more queer history being researched by historians,' Anna said.
'The research is pretty new and I don't think I would have been able to write this tour five years ago.'
Anna has spent about six months preparing the tour, and while it will reflect the style of other Glasnevin tours, she said it will be different to the revolutionary period tours the cemetery is often associated with.
'This tour goes beyond the time period people know us for, it is more contemporary — the oldest person on it was born in 1850 and the youngest died in 1995 — so it is a broad range of time. That captures more vibrancy and colour that helps to make Dublin what it is today,' Anna added. 'It's not that queer history is a tiny niche, it is a vital part of the vibrancy of the city and we need to capture that as well.'
Some people from the Republican era will feature in the tour, such as Margaret Skinnider, Helena Molony, Elizabeth O'Farrell and Julia 'Sheila' Grennan — women who played roles in the Easter Rising.
Thom McGinty, a popular street and mime artist known as The Diceman, will feature in the tour, as will Davy Byrne whose pub was known as an early queer friendly bar.
'My favourite one is a guy called Jack Saul, he also went by John Saul, who was a sex worker in Dublin in the Monto red-light district when it existed. I have just finished reading his autobiography and the life he led was crazy,' Anna said. The tours will run from June 20 to June 22.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Beginner's pluck: Freelance writer and editor Anna Carey
Always into music and writing, Anna played in bands at college, and afterwards, but she made writing her career. During her MA, Anna gained a placement at the Sunday Tribune. 'I was there for five years. Then I freelanced for three years before working at The Gloss, as part of the launch editorial team,' she said. 'I've been freelancing since 2009, writing for The Irish Times, the Sunday Times, and the Sunday Business Post.' Between 2019 and 2024, she worked on a historical project with RTÉ. Anna's first book, The Real Rebecca, won the Senior Children's Book of the Year at the 2011 Irish Book Awards. Two of her following six books were shortlisted for the award. The Making of Molly, 2016, and The Boldness of Betty, 2020. During lockdown I was working on an adult novel about the film industry in the 1940s but I wasn't enjoying it. 'I was also trying a horror novel,' she said. Anna has always loved good romantic comedies, and in 2023, decided to write one: 'I pitched the idea, and began writing in spring last year, with an Arts Council grant. 'I loved writing it so much, I didn't want to finish.' Who is Anna Carey? Date/ place of birth: 1975/ Dublin. Education: Dominican College in Drumcondra; Trinity College, Dublin, German and history of arts; Dublin City University, MA in journalism. Home: Marino, Dublin. Family: Husband Patrick Freyne, journalist, and Anna's former bandmate. The day job: Freelance writer and editor. In another life: 'At Trinity, I dropped out of the Musical Society Chorus in favour of the college newspaper. I fantasise that I'd stayed and became a West End star.' Favourite writers: Joan Aiken; Eva Ibbotson; David Nicholls; Jaime Hernandez; Nancy Mitford; Marian Keyes. Second book: 'It's about Laura's sister Annie.' Top tip: 'Write the book you want to read.' Instagram: @urchinette The debut Our Song Hachette Books Ireland, €16.99 After college, Laura gave up music for a corporate job, while her bandmate, Tadhg, became a superstar. Now, he wants her to help him finish writing a song the duo started in college. Should she, when things had ended so badly? The verdict: I'm in love with this book! It taught me the mechanics and emotions of being in a band.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Diddy in Plain Sight, In the Loop and A Widow's Game
Live UEFA Women's Nations League RTÉ2, 5.30pm Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosts the concluding B2 match for both the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia, with the hosts keen to avenge their 4-0 loss in Koper in February. Des Curran and Méabh De Búrca commentate. Aistear an Amhráin RTÉ One, 7pm Sinéad Ní Churnáin presents a new run of the series exploring the stories behind the nation's best-loved songs. She begins with Grace, which has been recorded more than 100 times and was inspired by the tragic love story of Grace Gifford and Joseph Mary Plunkett during the Easter Rising. Gary Barlow's Wine Tour: South Africa Virgin Media One, 8pm The Take That star embarks on a five-part tour of the country, taking in its sights and sounds as well as sampling the best wines it has to offer. He begins with a crash course in local grape varieties before trying out some traditional dishes. Diddy in Plain Sight: Untold Channel 4, 11.05pm An insight into why the alleged sex crimes of Sean 'Diddy' Combs remained hidden from the public for so long. Among those offering their views are people who know the music mogul well. In the Loop BBC Two, 11.45pm In this spin-off from satirical series The Thick of It, a hapless politician accidentally sparks an international incident after making a few ill-advised comments about a possible war in the Middle East. Can spin doctor Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) defuse the situation? Dept. Q Netflix, streaming now DCI Carl Morck may be an excellent investigator, but there's no hiding from the fact that he's a terrible co-worker. There's the small matter of his scathing sarcasm, which has left him without a single friend in the Edinburgh police force. Then there's the rather more serious issue of him having fatally shot a young officer and permanently injured his partner. Unsurprisingly enough, following this tragic turn of events, Morck is relegated to Department Q: a cold-case unit which was created as a publicity stunt. Although the force is thrilled to see Carl go, he soon sets about assembling a group of outcasts who are all keen to prove themselves. Yes, it does sound a bit like Slow Horses, which is quite the gauntlet for Netflix to throw. Only time will tell if it's worthy of comparison. With yer man from Leap Year (Matthew Goode) essentially playing a hybrid of Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb and Jack Lowden's River Cartwright, I wouldn't hold my breath. A Widow's Game Netflix, streaming now Picture it: August 2017. In a Valencia parking lot, a man is found stabbed seven times. The city's Homicide Group, led by a veteran inspector, races to solve the case, which appears to be a crime of passion. Their investigation soon takes a shocking turn, pointing to an unlikely suspect: Maje, the victim's seemingly sweet and stoic widow, married to him for less than a year. Mission: Impossible Fest Disney+, streaming now We can never get enough of the Mission: Impossible movies, it seems. You can now watch all the prequels to the recently released The Final Reckoning if you're so inclined. Bono: Stories of Surrender Apple TV+, streaming now Behold Bono's one-man stage show, exploring the personal experiences that have shaped him as a son, father, husband and activist. Oh, and as one of the planet's biggest rock stars. If Owen Wilson's signature shtick is more to your liking, The Stick lands Wednesday. Good Boy Prime Video, streaming now In order to combat crime in a perilous underworld, a group of former medal-winning athletes exchange the podium for police badges. In an exciting, action-packed ride, Yun Dong-ju (Park Bo-gum) and his group battle a formidable criminal syndicate. Also on Prime Video, we have season 2 of The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, courtesy of producers Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne. The Better Sister D'you know what society needs? More portrayals of women being pitted against each other. Based on Alafair Burke's novel, however, this eight-part thriller attempts to turn things. When media executive Chloe (Jessica Biel) and her estranged sister Nicky (Elizabeth Banks) are reunited after a murder, they must unravel long-buried family secrets to uncover the truth.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford's Fringe Fleadh initiative tuning up for opening sessions in New Ross
The Fringe Fleadh, which is an initiative by Wexford County Council, is promised to be a vibrant series across the county, with the New Ross town centre set to come alive to the sound of traditional Irish music from the much-loved Danecastle. On Saturday, June 7 at 2.30 pm, the live performance in Brennan's Lane, will create a spirited afternoon of music and community celebration. The special outdoor session is the ideal set up which was much anticipated by the District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, and Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, as they seen the Brennan's Lane project recently come to fruition. The laneway now boasts a beautiful open space, with a smaller area enclosed with a roof, a mural, benches and greenery which is the newest area in town to host street sessions of live music, trad sessions, and community events, while arts and crafts markets are also in the works. 'Here the New Ross Municipal District, along with the councillors and the staff, we're really excited to see the crowds gather for the Fringe Fleadh in Brennan's Lane," said Mr Fitzhenry, adding that the carefully chosen location 'is a beautiful new public realm space and this event will really showcase the potential of the laneway and all its great uses.' Seeing the much needed clean-up project of Brennan's Lane fulfilled in time for local musicians to utilise the space throughout the summer goes in hand with the aim of the Fringe Fleadh, which is to showcase local talent and spaces on our doorstep and to embrace the arts in more than just a traditional setting. It was previously reported in the New Ross Standard on April 25, 1991, that 'Brennan's Lane needs a clean-up', however, other reports in the paper in relation to the area dated back to 1898, when a 'Total Abstinence Meeting in New Ross' was held by the Protestant Total Abstinence Society in the hall of the Hill School. The Hill School, which was originally built in 1799, to the rear of Brennan's Lane was known as St. Mary's Terrace, and said to be the birth place of Michael O'Hanrahan, who was a member of the Gaelic League and served in the 1916 Easter Rising. The pride of both Mr Hore, and Mr Fitzhenry, in the restoration appears timeless, despite the laneway being reopened in April, as they both continue to observe the delight of locals who access the historic area, but in its newly brightened and colourful capacity. At the opening, Mr Hore said the project showcases Wexford County Council's 'dedication to enhancing our communities, fostering pride, and supporting local vitality.' "The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane has transformed it into a safer, more accessible, and vibrant space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,' he added. With the schedule for the Fringe Fleadh quickly taking shape, Mr Fitzhenry said having seen the AIMS Choral Festival utilise the space last week, 'a very large crowd of over 300 people were in the laneway and there was still loads of space, but it was just fantastic to see everyone there enjoying the great weather and we hope that atmosphere continues for the Fringe Fleadh in June.' Performances will continue to take place each Saturday in June, with Saturday, June 28 expected to filled with an entire day of live entertainment. The Fringe Fleadh will also take place in other areas across the county, from Seisiún by the Sea in Morriscastle to performances by The Blackwater Céilí Band at St. Martin's Community Centre in Piercestown, and the Enniscorthy Irish Folk and Ballad Festival, the programme is packed with musical highlights. Supported by Comhaltas branches, community groups, and local performers, each event is a celebration of Irish identity, heritage, and community pride delivered in a warm, inclusive, and joyful atmosphere. Wexford County Council invites locals and visitors alike to be part of this unique summer celebration. Whether you're discovering traditional music for the first time or returning to a beloved tradition, Fringe Fleadh 2025 promises unforgettable moments and the true spirit of the Fleadh. For full event listings, times, and locations, visit
