SNIPPET: In the Jan-Feb 2006 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine, readers shared their thoughts on the Emerald Isle: James D. HOWLETT, Seal Beach, CA, wrote: "It is with a lot of nostalgia and fond memories that I read your article on Lismore Castle in the Sept/Oct 2006 issue. I was fortunate to be appointed to the position of Station Master in Lismore from 1956 to 1959 before I transferred to Sligo and eventually Waterford, where I ended my thirteen-year service with C. I. E. by emigrating to the United States with my wife and three children. Our three years in Lismore were some of the happiest years of our fifty-four marriage; the people of Lismore are wonderful. The Duke probably does not remember coming to the station with his sister when he was around ten years old, and he very politely asked if they could get a ride on a locomotive that was marshalling in the yard. The driver of the locomotive kindly obliged by taking the children out, needless to say they were delighted with their experience. It was always my understanding that the railway from Lismore to Fermoy was originally built by one of the Dukes of Devonshire, I believe it was around the late 1800s. It was considered to be a protective measure because at that time Fermoy was home to the largest contingent of British troops which could be transported by train very swiftly in the event of local troubles in Lismore or the surrounding area. There was another train station just down the road from the main Lismore depot, which was part of the Dungarvan to Lismore Railway and this was run by a separate company. Eventually all local railways were joined together to form part of the Great Southern Railway and became a Royal Mail route linking Ireland and England through the port of Rosslare Harbour, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. I still love to visit Lismore when I travel home and I always call to see many of the friends which we made during the short time we spent there all those years ago. But the whole population of Lismore were our friends and when we reminisced about our lives in Ireland, Lismore and its people were always top of the list. I would love to see a complete feature about Lismore, its people, and history in your magazine. I hope that I will get one more chance to visit these wonderful places and sit with my friends and chat the 'good old days' and all the fun and camaraderie we had together." The editor gave Mr. HOWLETT a copy of "The Fertile Rock - Seasons in the Barren," by Carsten KRIEGER," for his interesting letter. Herman KELTER, Lynnfield, MA, wrote: "Your article 'Key to the Castle' was great and avidly read by me, since on my many visits to Co. Waterford it has featured in one way or another...." (Mr. KELTER remarked that Fred ASTAIRE's sister Adele lived in Lismore Castle as the wife of Lord Charles Arthur CAVENDISH, the 9th Duke of Devonshire).