LONG confined as a footnote in Irish history, the role of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who fought and died in the First World War has finally been restored to the spotlight.

Tens of thousands of Irishmen who gave their lives fighting for Britain during the First World War were honoured by the Queen at a Dublin commemoration steeped in symbolism.

A KEYNOTE address by Queen Elizabeth at Dublin Castle this evening promises to be one of the highlights of her four-day visit to Ireland.

Security forces were on high alert tonight as the Queen prepared for her historic four-day trip to Ireland.

Final preparations are under way for the British Queen’s historic four-day visit to the country which begins tomorrow.