SNIPPET: Readers shared their thoughts on Ireland in the July-August 2003 issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine: Theresa WATERMAN, Arcadia, FL, penned: "I have been receiving IOTW for three years now and have learned so much about Ireland. I have always wanted to go to Ireland and so did my mother. Unfortunately she never made it to Ireland ... My two sisters and I have a reunion every year, at one of our homes, as we all live in different parts of the United States. In memory of our mother, we decided to go to Ireland last summer and it was a wonderful experience .... In your Nov-Dec 2002 issue there was a letter from a lady in Australia, whose name was Ellen DOYLE, which was my Grandmother's married name. I would like very much to find my ancestry. My Grandmother was a SULLIVAN, who was adopted by the MELLONs of NY, and my Grandfather DOYLE was born on a ship coming from Ireland. Thank you so much for a beautiful magazine and for giving me the opportunity to learn so much about Ireland." Tony STRABAC, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada shared: "During the summer of 2001, my wife, two sons and I went to your wonderful land. Ten year earlier my wife and I became entranced with Ireland, after a four-week visit, in which we drove over 1,800 miles to see every nook and cranny possible. From the first night at Durty Nelly's pub, in Bunratty, Co. Clare, to the wonders and smells of turf in Connemara, it was a fantastic trip. My wife's ancestral blood was stirred beyond belief, and although I do not have a drop of Celtic blood in me, I, too, was forever changed. Ten years later, our two young sons sojourned back to this magical land where we got engaged (in Cork). Like us, our young lads were also smitten by the beauty of the Emerald Isle and the love of life shared by the Irish people. My eldest son and I climbed Croagh Patrick together, and although itwas raining, it was a bonding experience that will stay with us forever. I want to thank you, IOTW, for always bringing these magical memories to mind. Congratulations on a superb magazine and a wondrous land and people." Mike and Shirley SHANAHAN, Ventura, CA, wrote: "I have just finished reading your Jan-Feb 2003 issue and couldn't help but reflect on the many holidays that we have enjoyed since our very first journey to Ireland in the summer of 1975. Shirley and I have made many stops in Ireland; we have had two house exchanges, one for three months and one for four weeks. We have many friends, extended family members whom we visit and who visit us here in CA. Since 1975, we have tried to get to Ireland, our second home, every other year. After or during each visit, I am moved to write some poetry that reflects your great country and all the beauty that we have experienced. During the summer of 1999, we visited the Skelligs, and although it was a bit of a scare on the ferryboat, we made it and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our many visits to Ireland. ".... The souls of the Monks rest easy/High on the cliff where Puffins roam/The leeward breezes sing windless songs/Nurturing the delicate balance of today and forever." (Skellig, Ireland, written in 1999). Mary BURR, Blooming Prairie, MN shared: "Last October I took a trip to Ireland with my best friend. This was a dream come true. However, I think I aged a few years with my first experience of driving in Ireland. You do have such narrow roads, and we found the roundabouts quite a challenge, but we were up to the challenge. Before long, we were driving all over and enjoying the magnificent views. We first stayed in a charming B&B in Doolin, Co. Clare, where our host was delightful. We then drove on to Tuam, Co. Galway, where I have a ggg uncle who was an Archbishop of Tuam; so we were able to visit the Cathedral where he was buried. His name is John MacEVILLY. We were also able to visit the Archbishop's residence, where there are beautiful oil portraits of the previous archbishops. The next three days were spent in Dingle, Co. Kerry, which was my favourite place. We visited castles which were exciting and towns of all sizes. Everywhere we visited, we found the people absolutely charming and very helpful. I was expecting beauty beyond measure, and this trip far exceeded my expectations. The shopping was wonderful and I was so happy to add to my Belleek collection. I am already looking forward to my next trip. Ireland truly is a bit of heaven. I look forward to each edition of your terrific magazine. I'm already making a list of everywhere I want to visit. I truly thank all the lovely Irishmen and women who were so warm and welcoming." Madeline S. ATKINS, Port Washington, NY, commented: "You revived many lovely memories in me, as I read the article by Leslie GILMORE about the composer Annie HARRISON and her famous song, 'In the Gloaming' in your Jan-Feb 2003 issue. Your readers may be aware also that this song became associated with the Scottish-American diva, Mary GARDEN; she sang it to a misty-eyed audience, as she brought her operatic career to an end. .... I used this song many times in high school general music classes, when I taught in the NYC school system in the late 1950s .... As the comedian Bob HOPE used to say, thanks for the memory!"