'Extra-ordinary Lives' Celebrated at Glasnevin Exhibition

Glasnevin Cemetery, a site steeped in Irish history and the resting place of many national figures, is broadening its narrative with a compelling new exhibition, 'Extra-ordinary Lives.' This initiative, launched at the visitor center, moves beyond the well-trodden paths of revolutionary history to illuminate the contributions of 40 individuals who have significantly shaped modern Ireland across arts, culture, politics, and sports.

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go beyond that political element of Irish history, to look at people that made an important contribution to arts, to culture, to business life, both in Dublin and in Ireland as well

From the beloved comedian Dermot Morgan to the talented writer Deirdre Purcell, the vibrant singer Stephen Gately, and the celebrated Manchester United footballer Liam Whelan, the exhibition brings to life the stories of figures familiar to contemporary Ireland. Brian Casey, Historian and Archives Manager at Dublin Cemeteries Trust, emphasized the exhibition's goal: "to go beyond that political element of Irish history, to look at people that made an important contribution to arts, to culture, to business life, both in Dublin and in Ireland as well."

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many of the families said that it was an honour for their loved one to be included.

Curator Meghan Hanlon highlighted the collaborative effort with families, noting that "many of the families said that it was an honour for their loved one to be included." This personal touch allows the exhibition to delve into the human aspects of these public figures, offering "family personal insights" and ensuring a "human and kind of warm" portrayal. The exhibition acknowledges the vastness of Glasnevin, where "1.6 million people buried... is more than there are alive in Dublin today," and seeks to represent this diverse tapestry of lives.

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There are 1.6 million people buried in Glasnevin, which is more than there are alive in Dublin today.

'Extra-ordinary Lives' is a testament to Ireland's rich cultural fabric, celebrating not just historical icons but also the more recent luminaries who have left an indelible mark. It provides a vital space for reflection on the multifaceted nature of Irish identity and achievement, ensuring that a wider spectrum of contributions is recognized and remembered. The exhibition also features digital timelines with extensive biographical information on figures like Thom McGinty, Máire Mac an tSaoi, Tony Fenton, and philanthropist Chuck Feeney, further enriching the visitor experience.

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We created this exhibition because we have to recognise the kind of broader range of stories that are within these walls, so it doesn't focus solely on revolutionary history, it also branches out to art, literature, photography and captures a broader range of interests.