As a greenhorn, my first experience at the GRO 7-8 years ago was a disaster. Since then, I have dealt with them by mail. I have spent a few dollars on B,M,D indexes at the FHC and compiled lists of likely ancestors and requested photocopies of the records. A couple of my requests have asked for about 30 records, but it has never taken more than three weeks for the request to be filled. The GRO is a very efficient outfit, especially when you don't have to deal with the in-person restrictions! David Collins Hudson, MA, USA

I agree with you David. I have done most of my GRO research via fax and cannot fault them. In fact, a couple of weeks back I was astounded to receive a late night phone call from a very friendly lady who had taken the time, and expense, to ring me and ask for the "valid dates" of my Credit Card as I had forgotten to supply it on my request form. Another time I received an email from them asking me to clarify the meaning of "u/k" on another request. I had meant to indicate "unknown" but they took it to mean United Kingdom! The average delivery time seems to be 3/4 weeks. Great service and I am very grateful to them for the interest they take in our applications. Peggy Australia ----- Original Message ----- From: David Collins To: irl-cork@rootsweb.com Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 8:36 AM Subject: Re Research in Ireland at the GRO As a greenhorn, my first experience at the GRO 7-8 years ago was a disaster. Since then, I have dealt with them by mail. I have spent a few dollars on B,M,D indexes at the FHC and compiled lists of likely ancestors and requested photocopies of the records. A couple of my requests have asked for about 30 records, but it has never taken more than three weeks for the request to be filled. The GRO is a very efficient outfit, especially when you don't have to deal with the in-person restrictions! David Collins Hudson, MA, USA