IRISH-IN-UK-L Archives

From: "Jean R." <>
Subject: [Irish-in-UK] More Recent Travels to Ireland
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 08:37:47 -0800

SNIPPET: Readers shared their thoughts on the Emerald Isle in the Sept-Oct
2005 issue of Dublin's "Ireland of the Welcomes" magazine:

John C. McCULLOUGH, London, Ontario, Canada wrote: "Many, many thanks for
the wonderful article on 'Heroes of the Somme,' which you featured in your
Nov-Dec 2004 issue. My father was a WW-I veteran, who served in the Royal
Irish Fusiliers as a Lewis gunner, probably in the Fusiliers 36th Division.
However, he did not talk about his war experiences to us, but we know from
the history books that his regiment suffered terrible losses during the
conflict. We also came to realise in more recent years that he probably
suffered all through the rest of his life from what we call today
'post-traumatic stress.' At times he would take what could be called a
temper tantrum for no apparent reason, during which my mother would instruct
us to keep out of his way and let it pass, explaining that he could not help
it. I only have one of his medals and believe it or not, an Ulster Volunteer
Force badge, which must have been from his younger years. However, since
reading your article, this is not what I want to emphasize. My father would
never tolerate us discriminating against a Roman Catholic or anyone because
of their religion for that matter. Hence, we enjoyed the friendship of
several Catholic and Jewish families as we grew up. He taught us to treat
everyone in a respectful and compassionate manner. This was probably unusual
for Belfast in the 1930-40s, where I spent the early part of my life until
1948. In fact, I believe that it was the war experience that bound these
Irish-born men together, whether they came from the North or the South, they
were comrades in arms and they looked after each other. They were indeed
heroes of their time -- may God bless their memory."

Barbara PEPPER, Westfield, IL shared: "What a wonderful surprise I got when
I received a recent edition of your magazine. I love your magazine and have
always had a desire to see Ireland. I never knew of my father's heritage
except that he is Irish, until recently when I received papers in the mail
showing that one of my ancestors came from Kinsale in Co. Cork. So I was
very happy to receive my latest issue with a story on County Cork. You made
my day -- thank you."

Myrna Yancey TEW, Keller, CA: "My one and only trip to Ireland was during
the winter of 1978-79 when I travelled with a group of students from the
State University College, Oneonta, NY. This trip was lucky from the start,
I couldn't find a summer work-study position with the Biology Dept. and
ended up working for the English Dept. instead. The department head, who
was my main boss, was busy organising this tour and that's the only reason I
found out about it in time to sign up. I still can't believe I actually
received college credits for visiting Ireland and writing just one little
paper! I will never forget all the wonderful scenery from Dublin to the
Cliffs of Moher, the witty and friendly people or the lively, sometimes sad
music. Even today, I still have a special fondness for Irish culture --
thank you, Dr. CASEY. (For her letter the editor sent her a copy of "Take a
Break in Ireland," by Pat PRESTON.)

AL SAVITZ, Freehold, NJ penned: "In the summer of 1995, this American-Jewish
couple, Fran and Al SAVITZ, went to Ireland influenced by Irish friends who
intrigued us with tales of their visits to their homeland. We began a 12-day
CIE International Tour somewhat apprehensively, however our apprehension
disappeared as soon as we met the Irish people and took in the beauty of the
land. Ten years have gone by since then, and my wife and I are still under
the warm memory of that visit to the Emerald Isle, the forty shades of
green, the liveliness of Dublin, the scenic beauty of the Ring of Kerry, and
Connemara. Since our trip to Ireland all those years ago, I have subscribed
to your wonderful magazine, knowing that, with each issue, the beauty and
memories of Ireland will be brought back to us. I have saved each issue
along with my growing library of Irish history, my collection of Irish
music, my model of a Galway Hooker and Currach which sits next to my Irish
seal carved from Connemara marble. Our fascination with things Irish has
spread to our daughter ... and her daughter ..., who left their horses in VA
a few years ago to travel to county Sligo, where they rode horses for a week
along the western shores of Ireland ...."

Clare ROMEO, Foristell, MO wrote: On page 38 of your May-June 2005 issue in
your article on 'Castles of West Cork,' you mentioned that Black Castle 'was
once a stronghold of the O'MAHONY clan.' My family believes that this castle
could be of special interest to us because some of our ancestors came from
county Cork and some were O'MAHONEYs. We would like to get more information
and better pictures of Black Castle. We love your magazine; I have the
subscription, but it also goes around most of my family."

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