Sir, - According to, a famous son of Dublin the universe will be exactly 6,000 years old this year. James Ussher (1581-1656), a scholar of Trinity College who later became Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, examined the events of the Old Testament and calculated a date for each of them. When he had worked back to the beginning, he declared that the creation itself took place late in October 4004 BC. His opinion was widely accepted for some 150 years.
Modern science suggests that the universe is far older. Nevertheless, a 6000 year anniversary could and perhaps should be celebrated.
The creation is worth celebrating - the creativity of mankind is worth celebrating - especially in Ireland. The decision whether and how it should be celebrated surely belongs chiefly to the people of Ireland where James Ussher lived and worked. - Yours, etc.
Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, England.