It's September, with the first breath of autumn creeping around the eaves. It's time to cut more turf in preparation for the winter winds, harvest the best of the summer veggie crop and do an extra pint or two in the pub garden before it gets too cold. Now pause in your seasonal labors to listen to MaureenBrigid Gonzales describe what coming home to Dublin means to her. And also harken up to Fr. Kevin McDonough talkikng about priestly service in the Twin Cities.

Then sample the theatrical insights of playwright Hugh Leonard. Listen in as Kathy Cowan plays warm, wonderful classic music and Windy City fiddler Liz Carroll talks Chicago. Take the words of the prize-winning poems from this year's Milwaukee Irish Fest and roll them around on the tongue. They are as smooth and wonderful as a single malt, and just as powerful.

At least say "1-2 Travel," and you'll be dreaming of the Auld Sod — planning next season's vacation back home. Give the lads a call to help set up your itinerary. Ask for Conor Buckley...or Conor Buckley.

This is the first totally on-line issue of The Irish American Post, one that's bigger and better than ever. Look for additions in news and features to be added throughout the month to keep the posted Post fresh and up-to-date. It's a service we couldn't have done only with our print edition. Perhaps someday, we'll be back with a paper version but give our cyberspace efforts a chance. Tell your pals that The Post is now truly a 21st century tool.

Be sure to provide us with your own e-mail number and we'll send out reminders just before each issue, describing some of the stories you will be sure to enjoy. Don't forget to patronize our advertisers who bring us to you each month. Buy Irish! Think Celtic! Act Gaelic!

Martin Hintz, publisher.

The above "Publisher's Comments" were written prior to the terrible events of September 11. We at The Irish American Post can only convey our greatest sympathy with those who have suffered. Bail ó Dia orú. May God bless you.

Our News section contains six articles which shows how Ireland has been affected by this great horror.

Letters to the Editor

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