AS ANY FREQUENT reader knows, comments are part of the lifeblood around here.

Whether they make you laugh, roll your eyes, punch the keyboard, nod your head, or just think about something in a different way, the reaction from readers is an integral part of the news stories that we publish.

There was a clear theme among the articles which got the most comments this year: They were mainly topical news stories which people felt strongly about: all make the top ten.

Here’s the list in full of the articles which got the most comments this year.

1. Paul Murphy released from garda custody, says he didn’t answer questions about Jobstown Number of comments: 848

Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews / RollingNews

2. John Waters: Same-sex marriage is not a free gift to give to the gay community Number of comments: 770

Laura Hutton / RollingNews.ie Laura Hutton / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

3. Liveblog: At least 120 people dead as Paris is hit by explosions and shootings Number of comments: 700

Associated Press Associated Press

4. Poll: How will you vote in the same-sex marriage referendum? Number of comments: 695

PA PA

5. Manhunt for gunmen in Paris after twelve killed in massacre at satirical magazine offices Number of comments: 671

PA WIRE PA WIRE

6. “The No side seem fixated on the notion of the ‘ideal family’ – whatever that means” Number of comments: 626

RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

7. This audience member’s reaction was clear… what did everyone else make of the Late Late debate? Number of comments: 592

8. ‘Does this look like a dying movement?’ – Tens of thousands protest in Dublin Number of comments: 566

Sam Boal / Rolling News.ie Sam Boal / Rolling News.ie / Rolling News.ie

9. Breda O’Brien criticises Mary McAleese’s comments about same-sex marriage Number of comments: 559

Sazko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie Sazko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

10. Thousands turn out for pro-life rally in Dublin as website hacked Number of comments: 551

Laura Hutton / RollingNews.ie Laura Hutton / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

All figures correct at the time of being compiled 

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