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TXFM, Dublin's alternative rock station, is closing down

The station, formerly known as Phantom 105.2, has not applied to renew its licence.

Updated 5.27pm

TXFM HAS NOT applied to have its broadcasting licence renewed.

A source said the decision to not apply to renew the licence was due to the station failing to make a profit.

In a statement released this afternoon, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) confirmed that it received no applications for the licence which was advertised on 21 December 2015. This means TXFM will come off air at the end of October at the latest.

Tomorrow marks the station’s second birthday. Its closure will make six full-time employees redundant.

There had been two expressions of interest for the licence, including from Simon Maher – a founder of Phantom 105.2, TXFM’s predecessor.

The contract for the music-driven (alternative rock) sound broadcasting service for Dublin city and county is currently held by Dublin Rock Radio Limited, which broadcasts as TXFM. It is scheduled to expire on 26 October 2016.

The station’s shareholders, Evergreen Ventures, Gaiety Investments and Communicorp Group, are expected to discuss the situation with the BAI before informing staff of the details of the wind-down.

Commenting on the decision to not reapply for the licence, station chairman Trevor Bowen said: “We would like to thank the staff, the presenters, the contributors and above all the loyal listeners that supported the station since its launch 10 years ago.”

Gervaise Slowey, CEO of Communicorp, added:

It is with great regret that we have come to this decision, however despite a recent rebranding and a restructuring of the business, it has not been possible to make the station commercially viable. Communicorp are committed to funding their share of the redundancy costs.

Phantom 105.2

The alternative rock station was known as Phantom 105.2 before rebranding in 2014.

Phantom launched on in October 2006 with a 10 year licence. Previously, it had been run as a pirate operation based in a number of locations around Dublin, and also under temporary licences from the BAI.

The BAI said its contract awards committee will discuss the matter at a meeting next month.

Further details regarding the closure of the station will be confirmed at a later date.

Originally published: 3.25pm

Read: The former boss of Phantom wants the station back – and he’s taking on Communicorp

Read: Phantom FM 1996 – 2014: A brief history, by its staff — past, way past and pirate

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84 Comments
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    Mute Ivor McCormack
    Favourite Ivor McCormack
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:57 PM

    A true gentleman. A selfless man who gave of his time to help protect the lives of others.
    He will be sorely missed.
    Condolences to his wife and children.

    1221
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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
    Favourite Suzie Sunsine
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:53 PM

    Those bikers and their clubs do a fantastic amount of work for charities . this will be a very sad time for the poor man’s family and his biker club family too .

    662
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    Mute Jason Ebbs
    Favourite Jason Ebbs
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    May 4th 2015, 9:58 AM

    RIP buddy. The world has truly lost one of its good guys. You are going to be missed so much :-(

    53
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    Mute Ray Dowling
    Favourite Ray Dowling
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:47 PM

    The charity biking world has lost a true great R.I.P

    537
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    Mute Paul Radford
    Favourite Paul Radford
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:59 PM

    They give up they’re holiday weekend to help out our charity and it ends in tragedy. Devastation to all concerned..
    Sincere condolences to his family, his many many friends and fellow bikers on the run.

    RiP , a Hero to us.

    524
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    Mute Paul Radford
    Favourite Paul Radford
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    May 3rd 2015, 7:48 PM

    This man is an absolute legend in the motorcycle and charity set. Despite his young age he raised something in the range 1.5 million.
    He was always there to help any charity needing stewards on bikes for running races, for walking events, for cycling event and biker events.. If he wasn’t available he Had a huge ring of friends only too happy to don their gear and helmets and give up their time. Never even excepting petrol money.

    468
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    Mute Joan Dolan
    Favourite Joan Dolan
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:36 PM

    So sad to hear of someone being killed when out helping others. My heart goes out to this man’s family, his biker family and to the driver of the car.

    472
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    Mute Debbie Duggan
    Favourite Debbie Duggan
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:33 PM

    The people who put red thumbs to most of these comments should be locked away in a psychiatric hospital.. Sick c-nts.. May he rest in peace and given a good send off…

    329
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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
    Favourite Suzie Sunsine
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:38 PM

    Debbie , it’s sometimes best to ignore those red thumbs .

    293
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    Mute Carm(Little Vampire)
    Favourite Carm(Little Vampire)
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    May 4th 2015, 12:52 AM

    I understand your point but how dare you say they should be locked up in a psychiatric hospital? I am so fed up of ignorant creatures like you not knowing the difference between mentally ill people and people who are bad. Those who end up in psychiatric hospitals are unwell. The majority wouldn’t harm anyone. Some might harm themselves. Perhaps you need a bit of education on the difference between mental illness and badness.

    146
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    Mute David Scullane
    Favourite David Scullane
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:31 PM

    RIP condolences to family and friends.

    443
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    Mute Stephen Kearon
    Favourite Stephen Kearon
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    May 4th 2015, 12:59 AM

    Who on earth would red thumb this comment? !

    68
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    Mute mark o leary
    Favourite mark o leary
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    May 4th 2015, 3:06 AM

    Arse4oles red thumb these articles and loving comments.

    47
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    Mute Mark O'Donohoe
    Favourite Mark O'Donohoe
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    May 3rd 2015, 7:55 PM

    I knew him well and am truly shocked and saddened. He was motorc out rider/ marshal on many charity cycles including Tour de Munster, Tour de Leinster and Galway cycle (Maynooth college) RIP buddy.
    Down Syndrome Ireland issued a statement in which they paid tribute to th Mr Lynam.
    “It is with inexpressible grief that we learned of the death today of our dear friend and colleague Aidan Lynam,” the statement read.
    “Aidan’s untimely death occurred in Clare while participating in our annual motorcycle fundraiser Rev-up4DSI.
    “Rev-up4DSI was the brainchild of Aidan’s, and poignantly this year marked the 10th anniversary of this event, which through Aidan and his fellow motorcyclists has raised over €1.6 million for Down Syndrome Ireland.
    “Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friend and colleague, his wife Nikki and their three children, Robyn, Jake and Harry and all his loved ones.
    “Aidan was a much loved and valued senior member of our team at Down Syndrome Ireland, committed to his family and his work and all of our hearts are simply broken as we struggle to come to terms with this great loss.”

    437
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    Mute Catherine O'Reilly
    Favourite Catherine O'Reilly
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    May 3rd 2015, 7:12 PM

    I’m so saddened to hear this news. A gent with a great heart.

    300
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    Mute mamaise
    Favourite mamaise
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    May 3rd 2015, 7:12 PM

    RIP to this man and sincere condolences to his family. Every motor cyclist should join these bikers on their journey home tomorrow as a show of respect and solidarity with the man who lost his life while supporting a wonderful charity. I know this man been involved in raising hundreds of thousands of euro for Down Syndrome Ireland, it will be a sad ride home tomorrow for his biker family

    286
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    Mute Sinead Merrigan
    Favourite Sinead Merrigan
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:52 PM

    A true loss that will resonate far and wide with numerous charities and the biking world… An utter gent…

    252
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    Mute Amanda Martin
    Favourite Amanda Martin
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:35 PM

    RIP

    214
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    Mute Graham Murray
    Favourite Graham Murray
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:44 PM

    RIP condolences to the family.

    192
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    Mute Hermes
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:41 PM

    Great people – great loss !

    184
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    Mute Just Some Guy
    Favourite Just Some Guy
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:48 PM

    R.I.P

    170
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    Mute Paul McCann
    Favourite Paul McCann
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    May 3rd 2015, 7:11 PM

    RIP, truly an awful tragedy. My thoughts to his family, club, and anyone else involved from the emergency services to the car driver.

    162
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    Mute Eoin O'Hagan
    Favourite Eoin O'Hagan
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:31 PM

    So shocked to read this. Aidan’s tweet to me was so positive and I could see he was looking forward to the trip through Co. Clare. I’m sure the people of the county will join with me in offering our heartfelt condolences to Aidan’s family, friends and the people of Downs Syndrome Ireland on their loss. This is not the way a charity run should end. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a Anam.

    156
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    Mute Alan Henderson
    Favourite Alan Henderson
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:17 PM

    As a fellow biker and a dad of 3 my heart goes out to his family.
    Rest in peace buddy.

    153
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    Mute Alan Henderson
    Favourite Alan Henderson
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:33 PM

    3 young kids have lost their dad and so many red thumbs on rip comments.
    Shame on you!!!

    173
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    Mute Dave Donnelly (Tac)
    Favourite Dave Donnelly (Tac)
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    May 3rd 2015, 7:20 PM

    May he Rest In peace. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and his biker family.

    149
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    Mute james obrien
    Favourite james obrien
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    May 3rd 2015, 7:43 PM

    May he rest in peace .i passed them earlier this morning parked up in Quilty for a pit stop .deepest sympathy to all his family and friends .

    145
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    Mute Lezlie Ferguson
    Favourite Lezlie Ferguson
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:23 PM

    RIP. Please look out for bikers on the road.

    139
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    Mute Garry Mannion
    Favourite Garry Mannion
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:21 PM

    Utterly tragic. I’m lost for words. Rest in peace man.

    128
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    Mute pain in my bollox w
    Favourite pain in my bollox w
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:30 PM

    RIP
    Seen the lads on their bikes out early this morning on the Burren and a little later up at the Cliffs of mohar waving to all on their travels
    God’s speed on your last one

    128
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    Mute jimi whelan
    Favourite jimi whelan
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:24 PM

    Very very sad loss to the biking community and charity world. May he rest in peace and safe journey home to the rest of the riders on your way home

    120
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    Mute Pete Trevaskis
    Favourite Pete Trevaskis
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    May 4th 2015, 7:23 AM

    Folks red thumbs come from people scrolling through the comments with their phone. I think I red thumbed at least five comments.

    Why am I saying this? Because Aidan Lynam was my friend, my mentor, my hero. He was also a king on social media and yet anyone that knew him will tell you that he was a disaster when it came to technology. He is laughing his ass off at us all and I know he would be telling us all to HTFU even though I know what he went through when we lost Martin Finnegan seven years ago this weekend.

    I know the two of you will be having great spins up there probably trying to catch Joey.

    117
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    Mute Joan Dolan
    Favourite Joan Dolan
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    May 4th 2015, 8:53 AM

    Well for a man who was a social media king, he certainly seems to have broken the internet in Ireland anyway. From every article I’ve read he sounds like he was an Angel in leathers. I’m very sorry for your loss.

    73
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    Mute Roisin M
    Favourite Roisin M
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:32 PM

    Condolences to his family, friends and all those who were taking part in the charity rally.
    He was a true gentleman and great ambassador for Down Syndrome Ireland. May he rest in peace.

    108
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    Mute Conor Ryan
    Favourite Conor Ryan
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    May 3rd 2015, 10:11 PM

    So long Aidan we in DSI will miss you :(

    103
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    Mute kinnegadcycling
    Favourite kinnegadcycling
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:20 PM

    Helped so many people be safe on the roads . A great man . God bless

    102
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    Mute Scarlett Van Tassel
    Favourite Scarlett Van Tassel
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    May 3rd 2015, 10:01 PM

    Desperately sad. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

    101
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    Mute Martin Browne
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:44 PM

    RIP a true gentleman, thoughts and prayers with his family.

    99
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    Mute Philip Kenna
    Favourite Philip Kenna
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    May 3rd 2015, 10:05 PM

    Lost for words, its an unbelievable tragedy. Condolences to all involved.

    94
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    Mute Kieran Woodhouse
    Favourite Kieran Woodhouse
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:02 PM

    r.i.p

    93
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    Mute Oliver McLoughlin
    Favourite Oliver McLoughlin
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:55 PM

    Losing people such as him is sad indeed.

    92
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    Mute Myles Sheehy
    Favourite Myles Sheehy
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    May 3rd 2015, 10:15 PM

    RIP Aidan

    67
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    Mute Ronan Coleman
    Favourite Ronan Coleman
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:44 PM

    Heard him speak on the Phil Cauley show on Today FM only yesterday. Will be missed desperately by those who love him. Ride on!

    65
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    Mute Kitty Byrne
    Favourite Kitty Byrne
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    May 3rd 2015, 10:25 PM

    RIP Aidan x True gentleman and you will be missed dearly xx

    64
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    Mute Aoife Ni Ici
    Favourite Aoife Ni Ici
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    May 3rd 2015, 6:47 PM

    R.I.P. its v v dicey on the roads for non vehicle road users, a tragedy.

    64
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    Mute Aoife Ni Ici
    Favourite Aoife Ni Ici
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    May 3rd 2015, 8:58 PM

    Why the red thumbs? This gentlemans death is a tragedy. Roads are very unsafe for mototcyclists these days. I am sorry to admit it but i gave up my wheels some time ago, too frightened to carry on. May God bless & comfort his family & friends. RIP.

    106
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    Mute John Moylan
    Favourite John Moylan
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    May 4th 2015, 9:13 AM

    @Aoife – go back and read your own comment. It displays an ignorance of what actually happened.
    What’s a “non-vehicle road user”?

    20
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    Mute Seán O'Murchú
    Favourite Seán O'Murchú
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:41 PM

    Tragic, but if it’s any small consolation to his friends and family he died while doing something he loved and probably instantly

    60
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    Mute Sinead Allis
    Favourite Sinead Allis
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:32 PM

    R.I.P another fallen brother.GBNF and sincere condolences to his family from unfixables MCC xxx

    57
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    Mute pearl skehan
    Favourite pearl skehan
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:06 PM

    RIP Aidan only the good die young, he will be sorely missed condolences to his wife and children,.

    57
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    Mute roisin delaney
    Favourite roisin delaney
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    May 3rd 2015, 10:39 PM

    Rip …

    57
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    Mute brian magee
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:14 PM

    Deeply sorry to hear this. Glad that I have blood in Thursday as I feel that I did my tiny bit that could have helped out. If your reading this and your not a blood donor and organ donor, bows the time to start .

    50
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    Mute Sean Fallon
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    May 4th 2015, 12:16 AM

    RIP to Aidan…condolences to family and friends … We’ve lost a good guy folks…

    42
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    Mute Sinead Allis
    Favourite Sinead Allis
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:46 PM

    R.I.P another fallen brother G.B.N.F sincere condolances to his family from unfixables MCC xxxxxx

    40
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    Mute Fionbarra Mac Liam
    Favourite Fionbarra Mac Liam
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    May 4th 2015, 9:24 AM

    Sad loss for Aidan’s family and work mates.
    On a lighter note Aidan was a gift with a camera, as he said to me once “you get round the bend corky & I’ll make you look fast”

    A true gent

    RIP Boy!!!!!

    40
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    Mute Aoife Ni Ici
    Favourite Aoife Ni Ici
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    May 3rd 2015, 9:03 PM

    Trolls?

    37
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    Mute Steve Walsh
    Favourite Steve Walsh
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:50 PM

    RIP Aidan Lynam

    37
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    Mute Killian Mc Inerney
    Favourite Killian Mc Inerney
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    May 4th 2015, 12:00 AM

    RIP,

    29
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    Mute Louise
    Favourite Louise
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    May 4th 2015, 1:54 AM

    Heartbreaking news.. RIP x

    23
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    Mute sharonodonnell
    Favourite sharonodonnell
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    May 4th 2015, 9:44 AM

    A gentleman and Hero, RIP youngman xoxo prayers to your beautiful family

    13
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    Mute Rodger 5
    Favourite Rodger 5
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    May 4th 2015, 10:53 AM

    Sorry to hear about yet another loss, is it a year since motorbike Marshall was lost on the suicide cycle? read’s like he was some gent and helping others came naturally. R.I.P.

    11
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    Mute Seamus Corcoran
    Favourite Seamus Corcoran
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    May 4th 2015, 1:34 PM

    Its almost exactly a year. The cycle for suicide is on this week. R.I.P

    5
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    Mute Aoife Ni Ici
    Favourite Aoife Ni Ici
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    May 4th 2015, 10:34 AM

    @John Moylan. Sincere apologies my error. No offence intended to you, other contributors, the family & friends of the deceased. R.I.P.

    7
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    Mute Dermot O Reilly
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    May 4th 2015, 1:59 PM

    May the good Lord have mercy on his soul and comfort his family at this sad time

    5
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    Mute Barry
    Favourite Barry
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    May 4th 2015, 4:21 PM

    RIP Magnet

    4
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    Mute Níamh Hurleÿ
    Favourite Níamh Hurleÿ
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    May 4th 2015, 4:21 PM

    So sad ! Thoughts r with his family & friends x

    3
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    Mute Shane Mac An TSionnaigh
    Favourite Shane Mac An TSionnaigh
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    May 4th 2015, 5:16 PM

    Think bike, look twice! RIP

    2
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    Mute Melina Arzenda
    Favourite Melina Arzenda
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    Aug 26th 2015, 7:25 PM

    This gentlemans death is a tragedy. Roads are very unsafe for mototcyclists these days. He was motorc out rider/ marshal on many charity cycles including Tour de Munster, Tour de Leinster and Galway cycle (Maynooth college) RIP buddy.
    “Rev-up4DSI was the brainchild of Aidan’s, and poignantly this year marked the 10th anniversary of this event, which through Aidan and his fellow motorcyclists has raised over €1.6 million for Down Syndrome Ireland.”
    so so sad for u. Now every want to a good Road Bike. This kind of bike is obviously the quickest option for road bike cycling as well as may be the bike of preference for racing & most skilled road bike cycling enthusiasts. http://empireroadbikes.com/

    1
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    Mute Geraldine Worth
    Favourite Geraldine Worth
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    May 3rd 2015, 11:21 PM

    RIP. Didn’t know the man but horrific news for all concerned.

    1
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