Google Alerts are regular email updates of the latest relevant Google search results (web, news, groups, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic. Its great for keeping track of the latest additions and updates on your favourite topic, including genealogical postings. Try it with a search for your ancestral village or townland. Unless you want to be swamped with messages don't search for larger communities. You can be more selective about the search by using advanced search features which are explained at the Google help page
here. Go to <
www.google.com/alerts >.