SNIPPET: In the Nov-Dec 1998 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine, readers expressed their feelings about the Emerald Isle: Michael J. FEENEY, Ocean City, NJ, wrote: "Saw my first issue of IOTW (Mar-April 1998) and the Byways article "A breath of Londonderry Air" brought back memories of a visit 52 years ago. It was at the end of WWII, and while stationed with the U. S. Army in France, I hd the opportunity to make a trip to Ireland and England before we returned to the U.S. Both my father (in 1911) and mother (in 1919) had come to the U. S. from a small town (Altinure Park) just outside of Derry. Two uncles still live there where my parents came from. I arrived in Nov 1945 and had a most enjoyable and warm visit. Saw the Sperrin Mountains and Faughan River, traversed many of the spots mentioned in your Byways article. It was wonderful and quite a respite after 18 month of war in France and Germany. I wish I could have returned over the years, but time may have passed me by, now that I am 76 years old. My new subscription to your magazine is now tempting me to possibly give it another tr! y before too long." Maureen McILWAIN, Stanhope, Prince Edward Island, Canada, penned: "It is with pleasure and fascination that I peruse your beautiful publication, and have done so for some years. I was introduced to the lush enduring beauty and generosity of Ireland through my parents' exploration of the threads of family history throughout the Emerald Isle. There is a bittersweet quality to my pleasure now, as sadly I have lost both my parents in the past year. However I will return to Ireland with my husband (who has a few Irish ancestors) himself - as all the best people seem to do -and enjoy all the fond memories again and salute my parents' spirit. Likewise I will continue my subscription and enjoy the connection as each issue arrives." Brett Lee MORRISe, St. Louis, MO, shared: "Firstly, let me say what a delight it is to be a subscriber... your magazine always brightens my day, allowing glimpses of a place I visited in 1996. I was fortunate enough to visit Dublin, a beautiful and magical city. I alo went to a small town call Ratoath, in county Meath - a truly enchanting village with extraordinary warmth and charm. Ratoath also has much to offer in the way of idyllic beauty and tranquility. I stayed at 'Pinehill' Bed and Breakfast run by the RYANs. I highly recommend it! I didn't mean to ramble on, but it's difficult not to be passionate about Ireland once you have visited there." Katheleen HANSEN, Brown Deer, WI, wrote: "I have been promising myself to write and let you know how much your magazine means to this 94 years old Irish lady. I was born in Dundalk, Co. Louth and came to America when I was 24 years old. I arrived in NYC in 1929, just in time for the Great Depression. I had hoped that I would find work at hand sewing in the 'Brooks Brothers' store, but at that time not too many men were buying suits. I was lucky enough to find work in a large Estate in NJ, helping the cook. There were two other Irish girls there, so I felt right at home. I met my Danish husband in NYC and was married in 1936. We were married 61 years (he died just 14 months ago, he was 92 years old.) We had one daughter and four sons. They all have been to Ireland quite a few times, and of course they always take me along. You know when I started to write to you it was just to let you know how much I enjoyed reading about the Wicklow Light-house, and also the journ! ey of Mary BEAUFORT and her husband from Collon. I have been there several times. My oldest son Noel and I are planning a trip to Ireland and England in September. Looking forward to my next magazine."