We have witnessed over the past few years horrific levels of suffering and abuse of Irish horses which has merited extensive media coverage both at home and abroad.

Harvard University School of Public Health last month published a scientific study which included a meta analysis of 26 international studies that found fluoride in drinking water acts as a development neurotoxin in children similar to mercury and lead, ultimately reducing their IQ, thereby producing more intellectually challenged and fewer gifted individuals.

The scale of job losses in Limerick must be documented by a local agency in order to gain an accurate picture of the downturn in the regional economy.

The suggestion by Justin Kelly to name the new bridge across the river Liffey in honour of our Olympic gold medallist Katie Taylor (Letters, Aug 15) is, I believe, bordering on the ridiculous.

Like many people I had never heard of Congressman Paul Ryan until he was announced as Mitt Romney’s running mate.

Even as we bask in the glory of Ireland’s sporting triumph, preparations are underway for activities that have never featured in the Olympics and that constitute an insult to the name of sport.

Your correspondent John Tierney is to be complimented for his blood curdling letter on cub hunting and must be in line for the Bram Stoker Award which is granted annually by the Horror Writers Association. However, his literary effort would be more appropriate for the fiction page rather than the letters page.

Regarding Martin Owens’ letter (Aug 10) to the effect that Michell Smith DeBrun was our greatest Olympian.

As Enda Kenny will become the first sitting Taoiseach to give the address at Béal na Bláth tomorrow, it is worth asking if he is a suitable person to do so.

What a waste of money.