Go raibh míle maith agaibh to all in Ireland: Findabhair of the laughing fairies; the supporting cast of my family, especially Georgie Whelan, Pat Burnes, and Patrick and Georgina Black; Michael Scott; Martha and John O'Grady; Sherron St. Clair; Jenny O'Reilly; Kate and Marcus McCabe of the Ark, Co. Monaghan; Frank Golden and Eve Golden-Woods; the wonderful staff of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre; Victor/Victoria's Way in Round-wood, Co. Wicklow; Ven. Panchen Otrul Rinpoche and Ven. Tenzin Choeden (Margery Cross) of Jampa Ling, Co. Cavan; the Arts Council of Ireland and Cultúr Eireann for travel grants; and Wicklow County Council for a bursary award.
Merci beaucoup to those in Canada: Dr Nena Hardie, dearest friend in Toronto; the Creemore Durnfords, bagpipes and all; Yvonne and Deirdre Whelan for being themselves; Jean-Francois Pinsonneault et sa fille, Mélissa; Bette George for teachings and a bed "in the bush"; Lynn Bennett of TLA Inc; Michael Mesure for his wonderful work with FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program); the Native Canadian Centre in Toronto; and Prairie Ceilidh, the band who whooped me through the last lap.
A big thanks to those in the USA: John Duff and Brian Levy, dear friends and hosts in New York, and all at Abrams, especially my editor, Susan van Metre.
Last but not least, my heartfelt thanks to Na Daoine Maithe and the many Man-i-tou who kindly gave their inspiration and assistance.
