So, “Irish soccer fans are the best fans in the world” — or so we are told endlessly by RTE sports personalities and numerous reporters.

Ted Neville recently wrote (Jun) asking us to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the return of the Irish brigade from the Spanish Civil War.

The report documenting avoidable deaths of children in the care of the Department of Health/HSE over the last decade brings shame on us all and must bring renewed focus on the proposed new National Paediatric Hospital (NPH).

Donal Kennedy’s comments (Jun 25) about Defence Forces deserters, oaths, dishonour and shame are interesting.

Roy Keane and others are mistaken to believe our fans at Euro 2012 were celebrating defeat or just along for the sing song.

So far, the summer season of 2012 is shaping up in pretty much the same fashion as it has in four out of the five preceding summers; as a damp squib.

I have just returned from Poland and am extremely sad for James Nolan and his family following his tragic death in Bydgoszcz.

How many more reports must be produced before the HSE is disbanded?

Volunteer soldiers, sworn to “serve Ireland faithfully”, who deserted her Defence Forces dishonoured their oaths and brought dishonour on themselves.

The crisis that is looming in the Sahel region of Africa threatens millions with hunger, and comes as world leaders convened this week for their Rio + 20 UN Summit to review how sustainable development can achieve poverty eradication in the world.