Sir, – It is dispiriting how often we are reminded that wisdom doesn’t come with age.
We make the same mistakes, despite growing older, and watch friends, family and elected leaders do the same, seemingly unable to learn from experience.
Conversely, it is deeply inspiring when we see examples of the reciprocal phenomenon, young people who seem precociously endowed with profound insight and perception. Hearing and reading the words of Hamish O’Flaherty, as he described his late father, was among the most moving illustrations of this (“Cherish life, son of explosion victim tells mourners”, News, October 13th).
Even in his grief, he filled me with optimism for the country’s future. – Yours, etc,
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BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.
Sir, – We have seen bravery, empathy and love demonstrated by the caring community of Creeslough, as they have borne witness, to the country and to the world, to the meaning of compassion and courage. – Yours, etc,
GEOFF SCARGILL,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – I have noted a strange absence of letters to this page concerning the tragic occurrence in Creeslough. Is it due to the fact that the entire country is aware of the dreadful occurrence and are living it quietly within themselves? But, then again, what is there to say?
Seeing it from overseas, my eyes have welled every day reading the accounts of the funerals of the victims. My heart bleeds for their families and dear ones. – Yours, etc,
AUDREY KASSELIS,
Lourdes,
France.