2015 is the centenary of the Armenian genocide that cost the lives of up to a millions Armenian men, women and children.

Last October, after 50 years of blameless, accident-free, summons-free, mostly sedate driving as befits my age, I suddenly acquired a criminal record: two penalty points and an €80 fine for speeding.

There is an extremely high degree of discontent among the heterosexual bovine population, in particular among those about to be slaughtered.

Since the recession began family carers have feared what they would face in every budget. What was austerity for the community at large hit the carers harder.

It is puzzling why the Government has not included amongst the forthcoming referenda what would be a relatively simple and uncontentious change to make to our Constitution.

We have recently read and heard reports of the increasing market share being gained by the two discount supermarkets, Aldi and Lidl.

It’s a great little country, a great little sick country.

Sean Goulding’s letter (Letters, November 30) appears to be the latest in a growing number reacting worryingly to the steady rise in support for the Sinn Féin party.

Dan McSweeney (Letters, Dec 24 ) writes with an elegant eloquence, though in a saddening vein.

As we face into the new year, I wish to share my feelings of peace.