SNIPPET: Readers shared their thoughts on Ireland in the May-June 1998 issue of "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine published in Dublin. Will COOPER, Dorris, CA, wrote: "So much to write, I hardly know where to begin... I've just returned home from my first trip to Ireland. I spent three weeks travelling with a former teaching colleague and West Cork native of Ballydehob. We took leisurely drives around the country starting and ending in Cork City. We had numerous pleasant opportunities to ivsit in people's homes. I arrived, especially interested in the political history of the Easter Rising, Michael COLLINS, the struggle for independence and the Civil War. I had already read several books and essays on the subject including your moving article by Mary O'SULLIVAN: 'Memories of Michael Collins.' In Clonakilty, we hired a local historian and drove to Sam's Cross and Woodfield. He also took us to see Tom BARRY's 'work' at Kilmichael and, near dusk, for a long, somber pause at Beal na Blath. We later talked with a Skibbereen man whose father, an 'irregular,' had died still limping from a wound received! at the hands of the Free State Army in 1923. He wasn't ready yet to totally forgive COLLINS for, 'betraying us,' as he put it, but he had gone to the 75-year memorial observance at Beal na Blath in August. He couldn't even explain why, other than it being 'time to move on.' We also saw lovely towns and villages, beautiful coastal scenery and fascinating historical sites. From Cobh to Dunquin, from the Ceide Fields to Navan Fort, from Newgrange to Glendalough and Cashel and countless other places, five thousand years of history lay out in every direction. Dublin, Oh the fair city. Nowhere I've ever been does a fascinating past and a thrivng present seem so bound together." Edward J. HERTERICH, San Marcos, CA, shared: "Nov-Dec 1997 - as always a premier edition. Christopher MORIARTY's descriptions are fascinating. The ease of reading is an additional asset . To me it seems that it would go far in promoting tourism in Ireland .... Please consider more 'cooking' articles. Our taste buds have been enhanced with the many recipes that have been printed in the past. Now to what actually triggered this letter. The addition of the map to the contents page is a great primer for the varied text included . Looking forward to another great year of reading . It does much for the review of the past and updates the present." Dr. Mike FENNESSY, Tamarisk, Waresfoot Drive, Crediton, Devon, England wrote: "I have been a subscriber to your excellent magazine for about twenty years and look forward to each issue.". (Note - He and Richard J. FENNESSY, Wildwood Crest, NJ, were writing to announce an upcoming FENNESSY Family Reunion and History Meeting which was to take place in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, August 1998. Per these gentleman, all FENNESSYs and those with variations in the spelling of the name were invited to attend. Researchers might want to check the Internet for news regarding planned future reunions, publications, etc.). John M. 'Jack' Lynch, New Orleans, LA, wrote: "My family names include LYNCH, QUINN, HORAN, FEENEY, and FEEHELY, the last three out of Co. Leitrim. My interest in the Ireland of my ancestors is high, though hope to see something on Co. Leitrim in the future. I was remiss in my younger days, when I was stationed with the USAF in Germany between 1950 and 1972. I was fortunate to have my wife give us a tour of Ireland with CIE Tours a few years ago. My first guided tour and it was fabulous. I read the 'Irish Times' on its web site and try to keep up with what is happening. Interesting to note some Irish problems and complaints, e.g., education, and Dublin vehicle traffic, are no different than ours here in the New Orleans area. It is indeed a small world! Also found a web site that I recommend, if nothing else for its educational value about the history of the island and the people: www.ireland.org. I believe it is correct to say 'Thank you' for your publication." John CUSACK, North Rocks, NSW, Australia penned: "Patricia Coughlan CRIMMINS' article 'Going Home to Ireland' in the Jan-Feb 1998 issue stirred my emotions as I read the account of her visit 'home' in 1994 and discovered the house, parish and countryside from which my great grandfather left as a boy aged eleven. Like Patricia, neither my father or grandfather had visited Ireland, giving me a real sense of stewardship to return to our origins. As I stood by the stone wall, looking down the dirt lane, outside the old family cottage, I tried to imagine the circumstances of an eleven year old boy, heading off into the unknown, bound for Australia with his 18 year old brother, 145 years ago. My spine tingled as I almost felt transported in time. I photographed that quiet country lane in the Autum of 1994, and of all the wonderful scenes I have of Ireland, it remains my most treasured."