SNIPPET: Readers expressed their thoughts about Ireland in the Sept-Oct 2004 issue of Dublin-published magazine, "Ireland of the Welcomes." Thomas A. P. RYAN, London, Ontario, commented: "As a long time subscriber I was, as always, glad to receive your Mar-April 2004 issue, which I very much enjoyed. I was particularly pleased to see the article 'Gone But Not Forgotten' by Shay FENNELLY. The photo-spread was also a delight. However, one thing that was not mentioned in the article was the friendliness and warmth of all the people of Newfoundland/Labrador. Their hospitality rivals that of Ireland itself. On that terrible day of September 11, 2001, no airplanes were allowed to land on the east coast of the USA. All planes were diverted to Canada with the majority of them landing in Newfoundland. The Newfoundlanders welcomed thousands of stranded passengers into their midst. They put them up in their homes and other facilities providing them with shelter, food and sleeping quarters, as well as other necessities. These strangers were strangers for only a short time. They soon became fast friends with their hosts. Many returned after the emergency, not only to say thanks, and to revisit the new-found friends with whom they shared difficult times, but also humour and high spirits. Some American friends were even introduced to 'Screech' (a very potent homemade brew). There are many other Irish stories in Canada - the Grosse Ile Irish Centre in Quebec comes to mind. Thanks for your very fine magazine ..." (The editor added that there were many Irish-Canadian links, recent and historic, which deserve exploration and he would keep the subject in mind for a future issue.). Mary BURR, Blooming Prairie, MN, shared: "I was so thrilled to see Aidan QUINN on the cover of the Mar-April issue. When I was in Ireland in October 2002, one evening we were watching a movie 'This Is My Father' with Aidan QUINN. Halfway through the movie, it was interrupted by the election results and they never showed the rest of the movie. When I returned home ... I bought the video of this movie and finally got to see it through to the end. Aidan QUINN is a true son of Ireland. It was a great article and you can sense his deep love for your wonderful country. When I left Ireland, I left part of my heart. I look forward to returning. In the meantime, your wonderful magazine keeps my heart soothed until I can once again set foot on the right Irish soil .... " Patricia CORTES, NYC, said she was also a big fan of Aidan QUINN, and she had a request: "I was wondering if, in the near future, you might be doing an article on my favourite actor (and hometown Dubliner), Gabriel BYRNE. Living here in NY, I have had the luck to see him a few times and was at the Irish Arts Center awards dinner two years ago when he received his 'Spirit of Ireland' award. It would be truly wonderful to see a feature of him and his accomplishments. He has such a deep love for Ireland and does a tremendous amount of work to promote Irish culture here in NY." Larissa SCHULTZ, Los Angeles, CA wrote: "I have just returned from the most wonderful holiday to Ireland. I met people who opened their lives and families to me. I met people who told me stories, made me laugh - at times bringing tears to my eyes - people who listened to my stories, who explained Irish customs, quoted Irish poets and Irish blessings. People who toasted with me, drank with me and dined with me. I walked through lush emerald green fields, deep woods, over ruins from centuries ago. I saw the most amazing historical sites, seventh century abbeys in ruins, thirteenth century castles standing firmly intact, thatched homes and remote cemeteries. I drove down narrow winding roads, throughout the countryside. Roads which took me along loughs, rivers, streams and bays. Roads that led to ferries which took me to remote islands on the wild Atlantic ocean. I drove by cows and their calves, horses and their foals, and sheep with their new spring lamb roaming along the country roads. I saw mountains, beaches, valleys and fields rich in Irish soil. And when I returned in the evenings, I would meet up in the infamous 'Thatch' pub, with friends who were once strangers. We'd catch up on the day, raise a glass and settle in for an evening of laughter, stories and traditional music. My heart has been truly touched by the land, the history and the music of Ireland, but more than that by the people of Ireland. God Bless their Irish hearts."