[Cillian's bio snipped, but not forgotten]

An observation: I've noticed that a number of us porchdwellers started
out in cramped apartments/flats, which accounts for the handtool
preference. But at least I had a whole 1/2 of a bedroom to start in!

Re Galoot roots : Unless I've missed someone (and forgive me if I have),
you're the first Irish-born neanderthal to surface here on OLDTOOLS,
although there are a number of us (many named Paddy) with an Irish
heritage. So when you ask

> Well, that should do the trick?

I say "Fine for now, but we expect a description of handtool/handwork
oriented places & folks back in your home country." We've gotten pretty
good reports from UK, AU, AZ, and SE (any others?), so I request you
give us something on IE. And I'd also like to hear from anyone else who's
not given us some idea of what it's like finding/using/learning handtools
in their homeland to step up to the front here, too. Don't be shy, now.

It's great reading, especially when it's the only oldtool exposure I
get in my week. Thanks in advance!

Tom Dugan
Whose surname probably derives from dhub gabhain. Find 'em all over.