Tonight, while making one of my occasional vain attempts to clear off my desk and its surround environs, I came across a letter which I had forgotten I had in my possesion. It was written to my grandmother in 1939 (the day after "poor Tom" - my grandfather - died - see below). What caught my eye is both how the letter starts (My Dear Sister Mary,...) and some information at the end. I am wondering if anyone familiar with all things Irish would like to take a stab at my question: One of my current problems is that I have forgotten where my grandmother (paternal) came from aside from Co. Waterford. The letter below is most likely from a sister-IN-LAW, not a sister (her surname at the end is O'Brien, my grandmother's maiden name is McGrath and married name is O'Brien and Bridget is living on the old O'Brien farm), although that is how she starts the letter. I won't drag it out any longer (remind you of asking for directions in Ireland?): 1) How possible is it that Bridget O'Brien is both her sister-in-law and her sister? (i.e., two sisters marrying two brothers?) Or would it have been common for sisters-in-law to refer to each other as sisters?; 2) Is Garryricken (couldn't make out the spelling) [last paragraph] possibly in Waterford or is it in Kilkenny? I am wondering if this could be where my grandmother was from. I did little editing except to put periods where it seemed the end of a sentence was supposed to be, heh heh. The letter follows: Maureen O'Brien Ballynacroney Pilltown Co Kilkenny Ireland January 12 1939 My Dear Sister Mary, I got your welcome letter & lovely card a few days before Xmas also Kitty. We were so glad to hear from you but sorry to hear that Tom is not well but hope he is better now. We are praying for him that he will be spared longer to you although he is such a good age it seems long but to look back it is nothing the longest life is but a shadow. I am sure you heard from John & Alice. They are both keeping well although poor Alice is in bed all the time. She keeps very cheerful. I didn't see her now for the past 2 months. We had very severe weather but am going to see her next week please God. Her grandchildren are quite big boys now. They are able to take bicycles down here in the summer time. Kitty's going to Carrick-on-Suir all the time coming home every night rather hard this weather but she is used to it now. She has done it every day for 7 years now except the Holidays. It is all right in the summer time. Well we are all getting on very well Thank God. The boys are working away. I think Tommy is going to be a farmer although I thought he would do something else he got such a good education. But he is only inclined for work on the land so that he will have to do. If we could get some land near we would buy some for him. It might be better than going to the towns. All I would want is to keep them good. They are good at present and that is the chief thing. It is well for them to be able to stay in the old land I hope they won't regret it as poor Tom regrets having to leave it. I hope you will write soon again & tell [how] poor Tom is. When I go to Garryricken[sp?] next week we will have a great talk about you all as Alice remembers everything that happened in the old days at home. All the old people here would be glad to hear that about you and Tom. Some knew you. This will be a great year in America I am sure there will be a lot of Irish people for the Exhibition. I will finish now with lots of love and best wishes for a Happy and prosperous 1939 to all the Family From your sister, niece & nephews Bridget O'Brien <nofill>