SNIPPET: Readers in the Jan-Feb 1999 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine had some comments about Ireland: Nan SEALS, Tucson, AZ, shared: "The article in the July-Aug 1998 ussue on Dun Laoghaire brought a smile and a squeal when it arrived. I had just returned from spending the month of June touring and researching all my Irish ancestors. I had stood looking out at the Irish sea, where my Great-Grandfather John HEMPENSTALL, born in Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) in 1823, had probably fished... The love affair with Ireland began in 1965, when I took my Irish-WY 'Da' for his one and only visit to Ireland. After returning in 1994, research was intense with the help of great people in the Heritage Centres of Dun Laoghaire, counties Wicklow and Cavan. Had 'chills' looking at the vistas from land owned by my Windgates Wicklow FARRELLS; also fishermen. Each issue of IOTW brings me closer to the time I can return to where I feel most at home." William M. GALLAGHER, Creeslough, Co. Donegal, wrote: "I am retired here in the land of my ancestors. I was born in Cleveland, OH, a longtime ago. I am trying to get in touch with my long lost GALLAGHER clan in Cleveland, OH, USA. My great-grandfather, Owen J. GALLAGHER and great-grandmother came to OH in 1853. They had a large family - James, Anne, Elizabeth, Marie, Robert Emmet and Angie. My grandfather, James, grandmother Nora PEMBROKE had four children: James, Edward, Anne M. and Terea. James is my father. I have not seen, heard or noted one iota of the rest of the family since 1927. We are having a huge GALLAGHER clan reunion this century. I would like to hear from anyone of my clan and to meet them all. There must be a huge flock out there in OH." Tina and Dale EPPERSON, Midland, GA, wrote: "My first acquaintance with the Irish, a steaming cup of Bewley's tea on a cold afternoon, on a trip with my parents 12 years ago. It was definitely love at first sight. Fortunately, my teaching post provides me with opportunities to return to the land of Joyce and Yeats. Last year I immersed myself in poetry as a participant in the first Aran Island Poetry Festival. Yet my fondest memories are of the honeymoon my husband and I spent there after Christmas, six years ago. Our first reaction was that we had made a mistake coming during the holidays because so many places were closed, but what, at first, seemed to portend disaster for our trip turned out to be quite fortuitous. The result was a restful adventure of the countryside and the warm, hospitable Irish people, 'up-close and personal." Isabel MROCZKOWSKI, Lexington, MA, shared: "Please continue with your wonderful articles on Irish literature (J. M. Synge's Inishmaan visit/"That Enquiring Man') and past stories written in Irish. Like so many Irish-Americans, I fell in love with this beautiful language of my ancestors on my last visit to Ireland in 1997 while hiking in Connemara and the highlands of Co. Kerry, listening to it spoken in prayers at church, and of course through the music. I am now learning Irish here in Boston and plan a visit next year for language/cultural studies. What a wonderful way to connect to your past. To hear Irish spoken, to see it written in publications such as yours, and to have opportunites to speak it myself has been a real joy. My appreciation of Irish literature is all the more richer because of this. Please continue, these pieces are wonderful!" Judi BROWN, Ferdinand, IN, penned: "In 1978, through a programme at my high school, I became pen-pals with a young lady in Ireland. We had so much in common. Through our letters, we became friends. In 1982, after many letters back and forth, Maebh was able to visit me, and plans were made for me to return her visit 'sometime' after I finished college. Some 16 years later, 'sometime' actually happened and I was able to visit Maebh and her family in Cobh, Co. Cork. Although I am not of Irish descent, it was like going home. We had a wonderful time visiting with them, and seeing the Ring of Kerry, Cobh Harbour, and the Heritage Centre, etc.. The kids loved the Wildlife Park at Fota, and of course we all kissed The Blarney Stone. And the scenery! No one warned us that even the stones on the ground are photogenic. I look forward to visiting Ireland again....:" --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.716 / Virus Database: 472 - Release Date: 7/5/2004