SNIPPET: Readers shared their thoughts about Ireland in the Mar-Apr 2005 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine: Martina BIONDA, Lakewood, CO, shared: "I find it positively necessary to comment on 'The Road of Souls' article which you featured in the Nov/Dec 2004 issue of your magazine. The vibrant memoir is so finely detailed that we literally sobbed as we sat around our table in awe of the magic of the writing. The author P. J. CURTIS respectfully presented the coarse life of 'the traveller' by embracing Rory Dubh's distinct majesty, wisdom, simplicity and ultimate freedom. How accurate the mention of the gaily painted caravans, the sweet tea and the frosty night brings forth life to the pages. The author's admiration of the traveller is much in concurrence with ours, although we are a family of 'outsiders' who are sadly far from our beloved ancestral Ireland. I personally have possessed a true fondness for the lifestyle of the 'tinkers' of the past. My siblings, myself and our children have been blessed with the gift of story-telling which was passed along from my precious late grandmother from Co Cork through my mother from Limerick City. Each experienced opportunities exclusive to Ireland. In this age of turmoil, haste and complexity, we eagerly long for the simplicity of the past which is superbly portrayed with 'The Road of Souls.' I wish to thank both P. J. CURTIS and IOTW for publishing such a treasured writing. The story brought us home momentarily but it will remain in our hearts forever... " Theresa WICHERT, Mattydale, NY, wrote: "What a beautiful article written by P. J. CURTIS in your Nov-Dec 2004 issue of IOTW. 'The Road of Souls' was a truly Irish story that tugged at the heart and soul while being read. So realistic were the players and places described, one felt they were actually there, and not only outside looking in. Even if the reader does not believe in Rory Dubh O'BRIEN's version of the Milky Way, they would find themselves wishing they did, just to meet this grand old man!" Mitch McGILVRA, Palm Bay, FL, shared: "... In late March 2000, a week or so before my birthday, I went to dinner with my mother and a cousin. Before dinner she presented me with a large envelope and said, 'Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas.' When I opened the envelope there was a copy of IOTW, along with some travel brochures to Ireland. While I sat there with my mouth open, she said, 'We are going to Ireland.' My mother had congestive heart failure in 1997, and again in 1999; but she wanted to see Ireland before she died and wanted me to go there with her. We had also, as a family, tried to send my grandfather to Ireland many years earlier, but unfortunately because he was so afraid of flying he never went. We arrived in Dublin on June 8, 2000, after travelling almost 24 hours without sleep. The morning rush-hour traffic was a great way to learn how to drive a stick-shift car on the other side of the road. We travelled south through Wicklow, Arklow, Waterford, Clonmel, Cahir where I felt terrible that my mother was not strong enough to make the climb up to see the Rock of Cashel. In Tipperary, we made fast friends with a dog called 'Scooby Do' in the pub where we stopped; I was lucky enough to get a good photograph of that dog licking my mother's face. Travelling on to Galway, we walked along the coastline, where I was sure one of us would be blown over. I still can't believe that people play golf right beside Galway Bay. We travelled on through Connemara and it was truly breathtaking ... We both knew we had arrived home when we reached Westport. You see, since our trip I have been researching exactly where my great-great grandfather came from in Ireland before coming to America in the early 1840s and we discovered he was from Westport. But the funny thing is that we both just knew it the moment we arrived there. We could only spend two days there, but we had a wonderful time. I went back to Ireland again in the summer of 2002 and spent two weeks traveling around on my own and once again I spent a long time in Ennis and an even longer time in Westport. I also went to see some places which I hadn't seen during my first visit, made some good friends and had a grand time. Sadly, on the morning of December 10, 2002, my mother passed away. I promised her that I would spread some of her ashes back 'home' in Ireland and it took some time to organise, but in the last week in August of 2003, I returned to Ireland and fulfilled my promise to her and sprinkled the last few ashes of what was a wonderful person at a beautiful spot in Mayo where our ancestors came from. So slainte Donna BRENNAN, and until we meet again." Terri FALVEY, Indianapolis, IN, wrote: "Since her election in 1997, I have enjoyed following the career of Ireland's president, Mary McALEESE. I find it especially interesting that although she is president of the Republic, she is in fact originally from Northern Ireland, which gives her a unique perspective on cross-border relations. Her 'person of the people' reputation and engaging speaking abilities, support her strong leadership qualities. That said, I will go on with my story of an incredibly timed encounter with President McALEESE. Last summer, my husband and I, along with our sons, and close family friends, rented an amazing home on Clew Bay in County Mayo. One morning, while the teens and college kids slept in, a few of us early-risers ventured out for a morning drive and found ourselves in the tiny coastal town of Bangor Erris. While sipping our coffees, we were startled when the pub owner calmly announced that the President would be arriving in ten minutes time. Of course, our immediate thoughts were that it would be the town council's president, civic association president, etc. Oh no, it would be none other than President Mary McALEESE, and she was coming to Bangor Erris to open a Community Services Centre. We gulped our coffees and hurried up the road where a small crowd had gathered. My husband, Tim, our friend, and myself were the only tourists, but the townspeople were very friendly and appreciative that we were there to share the moment with them. Sure enough, with only one police escort, (unlike the massive security in the U.S), President McALEESE arrived with her husband Martin at her side. How thrilling it was to stand in the doorway of the crowded Community Centre and listen to her speak on issues such as the importance of respect for the elderly and the future of Ireland's children. True to form, it was an inspiring speech. I will forever cherish that memory of a much simpler place and time. In our hectic, fast-paced world, may we all have more of those unexpected pleasures that slow us down so that we may truly savour the moment."