SNIPPET: In the Nov/Dec 2004 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine, Margaret HOUNSELL, Bridport, Dorset, England shared: "I have just completed my first year's subscription and wish to say thank you for a beautiful magazine. I have loved every edition and can't wait for the next to arrive. The articles are fascinating and the lovely scenic photographs make me long to return to Ireland .... I, like so many others in England, had an Irish maternal grandmother. Mary was from Boyle, in Co. Roscommon. She and her sister Bridget came over from Ireland as young girls to go into service. They never went back home, but their love of their homeland never dimmed. Grandma was eighty-nine years old when she fell down the stairs and died. I was only fifteen at the time, and although I didn't see her often, I was very sad at her passing. She was a saintly lady, who attended daily Mass and she never had a bad word to say about anyone. She would always beg me! to play 'The Rose of Tralee' on the piano, and was horrified that I couldn't play a note. But I was an English teenager who was into rock' n' roll; all this 'Irishness' bored me. If only I'd known that later in life I would fall in love with Ireland myself. As with so many 'ladies of a certain age,' it all began with Daniel O'DONNELL. I suddenly found I couldn't get enough of all the 'ould Irish Ballads' and Daniel's description of Donegal made me long to visit. When I finally got the chance, I even flew -- something I'd said I'd never do. I wanted to get to Ireland so badly; I didn't care how I got there. And of course, Daniel is right: Donegal is 'Heaven on Earth.' This was the first of many visits; thankfully my husband shares my passion for all things Irish -- we have covered many miles both north and south and love every inch." Robert S. REDMOND, Knutsford, Cheshire, England wrote: "The article 'Gateway to Wicklow's Wilderness' which you featured in your July/Aug 2004 issue, brought back happy memories of a wonderful, natural countryside. What a pity that you did not tell the full story about Aghavannagh. As you stated, it was once owned by Charles Stewart PARNELL, who used it as a hunting lodge. On his death in 1891, however, it was acquired by John REDMOND, and it was the home which he loved for the rest of his life. It is sad to see this building abandoned and neglected, as it is today with its historic connections to two great Irish patriots. Can something not be done to give the place new life? After all, Avondale is well preserved. John REDMOND was, in the opinion of many who have studied his life, the more accomplished and effective political leader. Those who like me, have the honour to bear his name, are proud to do so and would be happy to have him remembered." Martha LASLEY, Troy, PA penned: "When I visited the Ennis Singers Club (Clare) a couple of years ago, what I loved most was the group's reverence for the human voice. Most of the singers were exquisite, but when one young woman forgot the words, everyone lovingly held the space for her to find her voice. That spirit of encouragement was part of the magic that Barbara COYLE captured in 'The Tune is Brother to the Prayer,' which you featured in your May/June 2004 issue. She writes with the same vocal clarity and gleam in her eye that I found at the Ennis Singer's Club. Thanks for transporting me back to Ireland and all its wonder."