Myles Dungan at Laurence Gilson Summer School

Myles Dungan, who hosts The History Show on RTÉ Radio One, is giving a talk on the life and times of Charles Graham Halpine, alias Myles O'Reilly, as part of the inaugural Laurence Gilson Summer School in Oldcastle on Saturday May 26 in St Bride's Church, Oldcastle.The talk will be preceded by the unveiling of a memorial to Charles Graham Halpine, outside St Bride's Church at 7.45pm.Charles Graham Halpine (1829-1868) was a native of Oldcastle, son of the Rev Nicholas Halpin, rector of St Bride's Church. A fascinating and sometimes controversial character, Halpine is remembered as a poet, journalist and soldier and was Adjutant General of the 69th New York Infantry (also known as The Fighting Irish).The first Laurence Gilson Summer School (May 25-27 2012) includes a mix of seminars exploring and discussing topics including lifelong learning, creativity, technology, equality and access to education.There will be opportunities for learners to meet practitioners from fields including animation, architecture, history, botany and horticulture.On Sunday May 27, there is a chance for visitors to see some of the ancient and beautiful areas and sites around Oldcastle.www.laurencegilson.wordpress.com