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MetroLink will impose 'Berlin Wall' through community, say South Dublin locals

The controversial BusConnects and Metrolink plans were discussed in the Oireachtas Transport Committee today.

THE PROPOSED METROLINK has been compared to imposing a “Berlin Wall” in South Dublin, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

Peter Nash, a member of the Rethink Metrolink Dublin South City, said the latest MetroLink proposal is akin to the opening of a “Checkpoint Charlie” on the Berlin Wall.

Outlining the group’s concerns to the transport committee, he said transformation of the current Luas line to a segregated high-speed over-ground Metrolink southwards from Charlemont has “significant adverse social, environmental and commercial consequences for the adjacent neighbourhoods”.

Nash said a segregated high-speed over-ground rail, in effect, creates a clear physical partition within communities.

“In addition, it would also clearly have a significantly adverse impact on the many houses in the neighbourhood that are adjacent to the line,” he said.

Impact on local communities

This will directly impact the local communities at not one but five separate locations in the area – Dunville Avenue at Beechwood Stop, Cowper Drive at Cowper Stop, a smaller Luas crossing between these stops at the western end of Albany Road, and two crossings 160 metres apart at Milltown stop /Alexandra College/Richmond Avenue South, he added.

The committee was told that traffic volumes on the remaining key Charleston Avenue link route between Rathmines and Ranelagh will increase hugely with knock-on impacts on traffic back to Rathmines and forward to Ranelagh.

The consultation process has been dubbed as “inadequate” by the locals, who added that the lack of engagement is concerning.

Denis Kinsella from the same local group said residents are supportive of capital investment, as the area has benefited greatly from the Luas upgrade.

However, speaking about the plans to close Dunville Avenue in Ranelagh, and removing the level crossing to segregate the MetroLink from traffic is fundamentally wrong, he said.

He said tearing up the section of the Luas to introduce a driverless hyperlink in a densely populated area is not suitable, but if the National Transport Authority (NTA) goes ahead, the line must go underground.

However, a letter to Labour senator Kevin Humphreys from the NTA states it does not plan to move the rail line underground.

Kinsella added that there will be “commuter chaos” when the Luas is “put out of action” when the Metrolink line is being constructed.

BusConnects

BusConnects – the radical redesign for the Dublin Bus route network – was also up for discussion today at committee.

Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said the new plan will be “vastly beneficial for the greater dublin area”.

However, she did admit that some people will have to change buses to get to their destination. She said this measure will ensure people will be able to get to their destination in shorter overall trip time.

File photo THE NATIONAL TRANSPORT Authority is in the middle of redesigning Dublin’s bus network, and has released the proposed new routes today. The network is being redesigned in an attempt to make bus routes simpler for tourists to understand and mor Sam Boal Sam Boal

The planned change, which if all goes to plan would take effect in 2020, would entirely transform the network, replacing many of the numbers with letters, and adding orbital routes so that people can avoid the city centre if they’re travelling across Dublin.

The theory behind it is that you may have to change your bus on the way into town, but by prioritising the key “spines”, it should actually get you into town faster.

A number of TDs at the committee said passengers moving from one bus to another and having to wait for another bus is not satisfactory to many commuters.

TD Joan Collins said having passengers disembark from a bus will result in “huge queues” waiting for the next bus and will have a big impact on people, particularly those with disabilities and older people.

“By its nature there has to be trade-offs… the vast majority will gain from these proposals and let more people get to more places sooner,” said the NTA boss.

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said the change to the network, is “wrong”, adding that it “isolates rather than connects” passengers.

The union said bus users will be severely discommoded, and said the new plans will possibly result in many additional car journeys accompanied by chronic congestion.

Head of the union, Dermot O’Leary, said changes to the bus network will affect those in disadvantaged areas most, while those living in affluent areas will not be overly impacted.

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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute FoxyBoiiYT
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:36 AM

    That’s terrible, honestly not being sarcastic. These facilities are great for sports

    392
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    Mute Temp Stuff
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:29 AM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: Hope they paid the insurance!

    43
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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:22 PM

    @Luke Littler: Such a clown comment. Sure make some more stuff up in your head there and blurt it out lad.

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    Mute Barry Lehane
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:14 PM

    @Luke Littler: it was built perfectly. It should have been deflated before the storm. Like your head. Major questions will need to be answered.

    45
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:54 PM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: It didn’t stand a chance.

    9
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:55 PM

    @Barry Lehane: Maybe they didn’t hear about the coming storm.

    11
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    Mute Barry Lehane
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:06 PM

    @Patrick MC Dermott: couldn’t blame em sure they still on dial-up internet up there !

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    Mute brendan C5
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:27 PM

    @Temp Stuff: and if they did, what will the renewal quote be. I’d say that place is finished if the insurance goes up dramatically. It was amazing to look at from the inside on how it was constructed.

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    Mute Jp Cleary
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    Jan 24th 2025, 9:20 PM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: Fear not…. Government will dip into taxpayers money for a quick grant.

    6
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    Mute Mairead O Connor
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:38 AM

    The Dome can be rebuilt.
    No lives were lost…

    202
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    Mute Jason Walsh
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:38 AM

    Surely they had to know what wind it could handle and do something about it the last few days. Fully destroyed now and they’ll probably pop up the exact same thing again only to be destroyed a few years later.

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    Mute Ger Murphy
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:40 AM

    @Jason Walsh: there’s always an expert…

    177
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    Mute Alan OConnor
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:40 AM

    @Ger Murphy: and Jason isn’t it.

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    Mute he didnt take the 120k because he already got it split over 3 years
    Favourite he didnt take the 120k because he already got it split over 3 years
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:10 AM

    @Jason Walsh: ye they should have gone down the shops and got some windbreakers we use at the beach that would have saved it

    22
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    Mute John
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:18 AM

    @Ger Murphy: it’s a fair point he’s making. When you pay over 3m to build a complex you’d expect to know what kind of weather conditions it can withstand

    69
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    Mute Alan Kennedy
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:22 AM

    @Jason Walsh: It’s not Kansas Doherty!

    8
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    Mute Éamonn O'Kane
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:36 PM

    @Jason Walsh: winds at speed never recorded in Ireland before.

    14
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    Mute Tom O' Donnell
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:40 PM

    @Éamonn O’Kane: Unprecedented by 1km/h. So we’ve had similar winds previously

    15
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    Mute John
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:57 PM

    @Éamonn O’Kane: 1km/h more than previous records. Buildings are usually designed to withstand a much higher exposure to various conditions then possible or likely.

    14
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:57 PM

    @Ger Murphy: He’s not wrong. Questions will be asked by insurers as to what steps were taken to minimise the damage

    18
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    Mute Jason Walsh
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:01 PM

    @Alan OConnor: More expert then you buddy I’d say, I’ve experience in structural design and wind loading is always factored by 30-40%. That’s equivalent to 140-160kph winds for an inexperienced person as yourself.

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    Mute Vincent B
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    Jan 24th 2025, 5:19 PM

    @Jason Walsh: sure what could they do. It’s 150m x 100m Throw a few ropes over it and secure with some wooden stakes. The initial design should have been constructed with these storms in mind. But I’m no expert

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    Mute den
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:37 AM

    Another excuse not to win Sam again this year!! Jeez

    69
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    Mute danny larkin
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:07 PM

    @den: Connacht GAA don’t normally play in the All Ireland so doubt they’ll ever win Sam

    35
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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:24 PM

    @Harry Paisley: I’m not sure you realise Connaught isn’t in the championship. It’s a region and not a county. Connaught has never and will never be in the all Ireland.

    18
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    Mute Mark R
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:41 AM

    These type of domes are supposed to be a ‘Temporary Structure’. Did the sales man tell them. otherwise?

    63
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    Mute Jack Dermody
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:46 AM

    @Mark R: we have Domes for decades in Ireland. It will be insured and will be back up in 6-9 months eat

    23
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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:25 PM

    @Mark R: another expert. Lol

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    Mute John Brown
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:38 AM

    Awful for the community…but seriously..tents in Ireland ?

    54
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    Mute Willie Marty
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:00 PM

    @John Brown: what about the lads in the tents down by the canal.

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    Mute Leon
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:52 AM

    That’s a big let down

    35
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    Mute Seán O'Sullivan
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:46 AM

    How would checking it more often have prevented it collapsing ? Did they forget to add a ratchet strap and say that’s not going anywhere or something

    33
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    Mute John K
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:36 AM

    @Seán O’Sullivan: they did say “that’s not going anywhere” but apparently they forgot to tug on the ratchet strap before saying it, a simple but crucial step of securing any load or vulnerable structure? Lessons will be learned.

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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:26 PM

    @Seán O’Sullivan: Oh another expert, even have the lingo of ratchet straps. Amazing you aren’t running the world with your expert knowledge lad.

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    Mute John Staunton
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:32 PM

    @Tony: Tony doesn’t get jokes…

    17
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    Mute niall Dorr
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:25 PM

    They knew it was coming. Why not deflate it? And prepare?

    17
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    Mute Victor Carrera
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:35 PM

    Credit: fireengineering.com
    The International Building Code, Chapter 31, Special Construction,1 requires these air-supported structures to withstand a wind load of 90mph/144kph for a three-second gust. The record was broken last night at 183kph. When the positive pressure from wind exceeds the internal pressure of the structure, the structure will begin to dimple on the windward side. This dimple may come in close contact with items within the structure, such as hanging lights or boards surrounding an ice rink, causing a puncture. When there is a strong wind weather advisory, the onsite engineer should increase the structure’s internal pressure.

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    Mute Ronan Mc
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:37 AM

    Any pics?

    16
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    Mute P. V. Aglue
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:45 AM

    It cost 3 million to build, it should only cost a couple of hundred to repair.

    14
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    Mute Leon
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:54 AM

    @P. V. Aglue: I don’t know about that, what with inflation

    77
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    Mute J Bro
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:53 AM

    @Leon: comment of the day

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    Mute Steve Bradshaw
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:57 PM

    @Leon: it needs inflation to stay up….

    4
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    Mute Shimo F
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:47 AM

    Well isn’t that wat insurance is for.

    11
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    Mute Kathleen Murphy
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:22 PM

    They know they will not be insured for new building / construction unless it meets required specifications.

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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:28 PM

    @Kathleen Murphy: Thanks for your expert advice. Amazing how many experts there are on the journal comments. I’m surprised you have the time

    9
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:59 PM

    @Tony: You haven’t offered any constructive comments other than criticizing others. You’re quite an expert

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    Mute DJ D
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:23 PM

    @Tony: troll,,,alert!!!

    1
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    Mute Eugene Comaskey
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:25 PM

    It is a real pity to see it destroyed . Was it a crazy thing to build in the first place ??. It seems that a tremendous amount of money was spent on it . Surely someone thought about deflating it yesterday ?.

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    Mute Victor Carrera
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:00 PM

    @Eugene Comaskey:
    It is not a quick or simple procedure. Normally only the supplier has the skills, not the local maintenance staff. If no backup power available for fans to maintain or increase pressure it may have dimpled and been damaged by internal structure such as goal post and then collapsed.

    6
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    Mute Patrick Newell
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:32 PM

    And yet the dail is still standing……life aint fair at all

    9
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    Mute Annette Cooke
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:47 PM

    Hope it’s gets fixed quickly for the locals. I also hope it will be stronger and better.

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    Mute Jack
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:04 PM

    Well I guess he meant the dome is completely destroyed, as the wider campus is fine, or nothing an aftermath clean up won’t sort.
    Questions should be asked why they chose a structure of its type ? there was kind of an inevitability about this situation.

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    Mute Ádhamh Ó Nuanáin
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:12 PM

    Will the architects/engineers be sued or will the tax payer need to foot the bill?

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    Mute Darren Forde
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    Jan 24th 2025, 6:40 PM

    GAA awash with money id not worry to much

    6
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    Mute bernadette connaughton
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:48 PM

    But sure of course it got destroyed a breeze would blow that thing away!!!

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 24th 2025, 8:23 PM

    It is not as bad as it looks, all the groundwork is fine and the pitch is more or less intact. The need a new done section installed.
    In Longford you can clearly see that the wall was badly designed and made!

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    Mute Kevin O Brien
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:25 PM

    Mayo never going to win Sam now

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    Mute Brian Smith
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    Jan 24th 2025, 4:41 PM

    THE GAA SHOULD GET IN CONTACT WITH THEIR PATRON NAMELY THE ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL FOR MONEY TO REPLACE THIS DOME.IT WILL SAVE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN PAYING OUT MONIES AS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS AN INTEREST IN THE GAA.

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    Mute Desmond Lyons
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:49 PM

    My yurt is just fine this morning!

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    Mute William O leary
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    Jan 24th 2025, 8:28 PM

    who paid for it in the first place ..another gaa farce

    2
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