Yes Evelyn, and not only Americans! We of Irish extraction are far flung over the whole wide world and all feel the same. I agree wholeheartedly with your observations about we elderly family historians, not having enough time left to us, to wait to benefit from the release of the records, that will help us to find the places we long to visit. When we know were to go, we will all be pleased to tred the paths our ancestors trod and to breathe the air they breathed. To see the hills, rivers, streams and the beautiful shades of green has long since been the theme of the songs the exiles sang and which we all sing in our homes and in Irish Associations around the world. No matter how long ago it has been since our ancestors left the shores of their homeland, we, their descendants, still feel a large part of our hearts belong to Ireland. Many of those whose families never left Ireland do not feel the same urge to find their roots, because theirs are there with them. It may be hard for them to understand how we all feel and not surprising. The old Irish saying, "We never miss the water till the well runs dry", is so true. It is such a wonderful way of promoting Irish interests and tourism. The more that so many of we elderly genealogists from all over the world, learn about our ancestors, the more we long to visit the land of their birth. Young people too are members of all the Family History Societies worldwide and they in turn will influence their children and Ireland should have a constant stream of visitors right into the future. We would love to feel welcome. Regards to all family historians, everywhere, who are trying to find their Irish ancestors. I hope everyone will follow Jane's advice and email those who can help us gain our objectives. Therese, in Queensland Australia.