need advice on IRC client choice

[Gary Turner <kk5st@swbell.net>]

It's hard to believe, but I haven't done chat (and I've been 'online'
since Genie in '90 or '91).  I don't even have a chat client installed
on any of my machines.

So, I figure -- let's stick one on the Debian box.  A quick

"apt-cache search irc | grep client"

yields 48 client packages.  There's everything from bitchx to zircon.
As you might imagine, I need some suggestions on which irc-client to
install.

I'm running Debian Woody, X11 v4, and Gnome-sawfish desktop.  I mention
the X stuff because for this application I think a graphical interface
will be more appropriate for me (panels, sizing, etc.).

Please don't start a religious war.  Just tell me what you like and why
it's the next best thing to sliced bread :=)

tnx,
--
gt
Yes I fear I am living beyond my mental means--Nash