An American from The Bronx bids farewell to Ireland

Dublinjas ---Why the references to Romania? Has our columnist in training made some reference to that country that you found objectionable? You seem bitter.

I find it really hard to believe that after reading this article so many people had such negative, nasty,insignificant things to say. This is a story written by a young girl who is obviously emotional about leaving a place she has loved and enjoyed for another- a story about new beginnings and saying goodbye to a time in her life well spent. Grammatical errors and digs at salary etc etc- really people? Really? Seems like people should get off the internet and GET LIVES- its ten days before Christmas, how about a little bit of peace love and understanding?

Next time go directly to Romania and enjoy your stay with your gypsy pals, Maybe they could give you some pointers in begging and setting up scams, Until then don't let the big green door etc etc.

Thank you for all of your insights Mary. Best wishes, God speed and good luck with all of your new adventures and endeavours. Think on how much more you'll have to reflect upon when you're my age (46). Just remember "you may have to grow old, but you don't have to grow up" :)

You're right, billjoyce. It's great to be in touch with your roots. Best wishes, Mary C., wherever you choose to live and I'm glad you're in good health. I'm sure you'll be back to Ireland again. Btw: MaryeMoore makes some good points. MaryeM is a poster and not a columnist writing for I.C., so she can be excused for making a few "typos." The editor of I.C. is responsible for seeing that his columnists use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and proofread their columns. Maybe this isn't an editorial priority on this site. Just saying. Mary C. does write very interesting stories that are enjoyed by many of us.

I spent some time in Ireland many years ago and it was absolutely one of the best memories I will evr have. Even the ups and downs are memorable in their vaporous reflections. If anyone can go to live if their heritage is there DO IT and you'll be better for it

Mary, LOL, I doubt you thought some would find the need to point out, what to them, are the shortcomings of this piece. In my case I enjoyed reading it and I hope as you leave one dream behind you are actively persueing another and are succesful in running it down.

To maryemoore...you know that old story about "people in glass houses" ...well...you must be cringing and wincing at your own post... kind of a blatant error "lages" in the midst of your diatribe. Poor soul, you must have felt so important writing it...only to make a boo boo yourself. Bloody well funny...like someone giving a spiff with toilet paper on their shoe. And you were looking for a job as a proof reader...again, I suggest that if you have a job...you'd best be hanging on to it. Nothing like having to wince and cringe at oneself. hehehehe Thanks for the chuckle.

I am not a person who envies, and I would not change the life I have lived, enjoying my children , granchildren and great grandchildren, but for a moment I did feel a twinge. Ireland is so beautiful and welcoming. Hopefully I may yet return once more for a short time.

@cavantown: Yes, I am aware that this particular article was a personal reminiscence. However, it does not excuse bad grammar. Your sarcasm proves that you did not get the jist of my criticism, namely that this site is careless in its editing of all types of subject matter. That fact grates on those of us who still have standards when it comes to intellgent prose, no matter how it is written-either as serious commentary or relating personally to a topic. Unfortunately, according to a recent study published in the New York Times, the United States lages far behind many other countries in education and standards. Proof positive is the lax quality of what passes as acceptable writing on a site that is produced by a newspaper of so-called professional writers and editors. I enjoy, the news from "home" but wish I did not have to read it, constantly cringing at basic writing mistakes.

MARY: I am glad you enjoyed your brief dabble in diddle-e-eye-land! Your stay was always underscored by your comforting option to return home to Americania.I suggest without this escape route, your Irish experience might have been very different. Pity the poor native wretches who are trapped here without any means of escape! As you pack your supply of rose-tinted glasses and take your leave,your brain filling with thickening emerald fog, please consider the hypocrisy of ..'dis auld Oirish saying: "...Here's yer coat, and what's yer hurry!"

Ah maryemoore...I see you can't sleep either. Well it appears to me that the story is about a person saying Bbye to Eire and Hello again to her homeland...and reminiscing about the wonders of each place. It is a blog and therefore written in the vernacular and I daresay I haven't heard a Yank say, "my brother and me" in "dogs legs" years. As for this being a news article...you would think a "writer" would have guessed by the title...it was a personal story...so I wouldn't think you should quit whatever job it is you have to wait on Irish Central hiring you. :)

The truth of the matter is that the grammatical mistakes ARE there and the story lacks clarity and cohesiveness. As a writer myself, I wince to see the caliber of what passes for "good" writing not only in this story but in many articles that appear on this site. I know you want to get the news out as quickly as possible but surely you must have a proof-reader or editor on your staff? If not, I am available at a reasonable rate!

@ haikued2 You are incorrect. I never said people who call names are losers. You are perceiving the facts at an 8 Grade level.

Ireland has an enchantment that lingers with Americans. That is what makes the "Emerald Isle" so unique.