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Hundreds of acres of vital urban nature lost to astroturf in Dublin

Habitat loss and microplastics pollution from explosion of pitches provoking serious concern during biodiversity crisis.

Design for PITCH IMPERFECT of the feet and ankles of a football player in purple boots about to start running on a green astroturf pitch.

OVER 220 ACRES of open space in Dublin has been replaced with artificial sports pitches since 2000, impacting vital grassland and protected species.

A new Noteworthy analysis of planning files and satellite imagery shows a surge in the building of pitches by private businesses, schools and community groups in the capital.

Not only are astroturf pitches popping up everywhere, they are also growing in size. Our data found soccer, rugby, GAA and hockey clubs are rapidly replacing grass pitches used for training and match-day. Natural habitats are also being removed across the capital.

This isn’t just impacting open space and amenity spots but also affects areas used by protected and vulnerable bird species, at a time of when biodiversity is in crisis.

  • Noteworthy, the crowdfunded community-led investigative platform from The Journal, supports independent and impactful public interest journalism. We are investigating the biodiversity crisis. Support our work here>>

The main reason that artificial pitches are taking the place of their natural cousins is down to the ability to sustain much higher levels of use in all weather conditions year-round. 

But there is growing pushback from community activists and nature experts over the impact on bird species that use urban parks, green spaces and natural grass pitches to forage for food, rest, take shelter and nest. 

Synthetic pitches are made up of plastic blades attached to a sod-like base. A mixture of sand and rubber granules are spread on the surface to stabilise fibres, allow for bounce and enhance the overall play.

Replacing natural grass with this artificial alternative was called “a threat to bird conservation” last year in research examining 45 urban parks in Spain. 

Here, the cumulative loss of North Dublin green space used by the vulnerable Brent geese is a major concern for researchers. 

Around 6,000 of these Arctic natives winter in Dublin Bay, reliant on grassland for feeding. Stored winter energy is crucial fuel for their migration. This means that the availability of food in Dublin is essential to their survival and reproductive chances. 

But foraging opportunities are becoming more scarce in the capital. Our analysis shows multiple grasslands listed as important for the species are now partially or completely turned over to astro. 

This includes land used by football and GAA teams, as well as areas of council parks.

‘Permanently lost’ feeding grounds

One of the largest areas lost is at St Patrick’s College in Drumcondra where Dublin City University (DCU) replaced a GAA pitch with an artificial pitch and training area.

It was obvious that Brent geese would be affected by this development from the outset.

DCU’s own bird survey study found that two-thirds of the existing grassland areas used by Brent would be “permanently lost”. A bird count of around 500 was recorded as part of the study, enough to qualify the campus as a site of major importance to Brent geese.

Despite BirdWatch Ireland objecting, planning was granted and the pitch built in September 2020 with some changes, including keeping a large grassland section in place.

This was done, a DCU spokesperson told Noteworthy, to accommodate Brent geese and “retain wintering bird usage of the campus”.

Aerial view of a large astroturf pitch used for gaelic games in Dublin Artificial sports pitch at St Patrick's College Google Earth Google Earth

On a ‘monstrous scale’

It is not just ecologists who are concerned about the loss of urban green spaces.

Residents of Woodstown in South Dublin have started a campaign to push back against council plans to install a synthetic gaelic games pitch bang in the centre of Knocklyon Park.

The proposed pitch would take up over 2.5 acres, around half the open space in the park where grassland and meadows are of high ecological importance. This provides food and shelter for mammals, pollinators, bats and even birds of conservation concern.

Clare Hamilton, the spearhead behind the local campaign, told us that all this is “in jeopardy” due to the plans for the “monstrous scale” pitch.

Gaelic football players running around on pitch during a match in Knocklyon Park, Dublin Current grass pitches in the centre of Knocklyon Park Save Knocklyon Park Save Knocklyon Park

There is another well-known threat from synthetic pitches that Hamilton fears – microplastic pollution from the crumb rubber used on the pitch surfaces.

Crumb rubber is made from shredded car tyres and is used to enhance pitch performance. As much as 140 tonnes of this material is needed per pitch. 

The Woodstown Streamruns through the park into the Dodder and is just 65m away from where the pitch would be installed. “The amount of microplastics that will escape are just phenomenal,” Hamilton said.

South Dublin County Council ruled out any potential major impact in its ecological report. A spokesperson told Noteworthy that environmental concerns raised in public submissions will be responded to in the Chief Executive’s report. 

‘You don’t want it in the environment’

But Hamilton’s concerns are not unfounded. New Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research identified escape pathways for microplastics at surveyed pitches. 

The project’s lead researcher, Dr Róisín Nash, a senior lecturer in aquatic ecology at Atlantic Technological University, told us they found crumb rubber on players’ clothes, footwear and equipment. It was also found in rainwater run-off and drainage systems. 

While she “completely understands” the benefits of synthetic pitches, she said that there are metals and chemicals in the rubber that “you don’t want to be in the environment”. 

“Rubber beads are quite loose. So if you kick it, you’re kicking it outside the pitch,” said Nash. “We have wind in Ireland, we have rain that can wash it out… If they’re pushing the snow off the pitch, it’s going to put it out into the environment.” 

Dr Róisín Nash smiling in a navy jacket sitting on a large rock beside the sea Dr Róisín Nash is one of Ireland's leading microplastics researchers Atlantic Technological University Atlantic Technological University

The industry recognises an “obligation to minimise [environmental] impact”, designing in mitigating measures and researching alternatives such as wood and cork chips, according to Alastair Cox, technical director at the EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTA).

Cox, a visiting professor in sports surface innovation at Loughborough University, pointed to ESTA’s work with the European Standards Committee to develop guidelines to minimise loss.

These include barriers around the pitch’s edge to contain crumbs, grates and brushes for players to clean their boots and drainage systems to capture microplastics. 

Aerial photo from a drone of a large group of protesters with banners against council plans to install an astroturf pitch Save Knocklyon Park group during a protest against the Council's plans Save Knocklyon Park Save Knocklyon Park

‘Not convinced’ 

Despite industry assurances, the EU is now set to ban the sale of the material used in astroturf pitches, allowing for an eight-year transition period.

But with the explosion of astroturf not only in the capital, but across Ireland, we are likely to lose more biodiverse ground before these rules are implemented. 

In the meantime, Hamilton said that Woodstown residents will continue to speak up against the Council’s plans.

“The use of astro is being weighted as higher than the huge nature value that the park has, [even though] it’s a biodiversity crisis,” said Hamilton. 

“We are going to lose habitats that we’ve all pledged to protect and enhance.” 

 

Pitch Imperfect - Outro TOP

 Are astroturf pitches bad for our green spaces?

By Niall Sargent of Noteworthy

Noteworthy is the crowdfunded investigative journalism platform from The Journal. This investigation was proposed and funded by our readers alongside direct support from our investigative fund.

Vital habitat is lost across Ireland every day. Help us investigate the biodiversity crisis by funding our environment-related projects here>> 

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    One of the most detested men in Irish politics ever

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:22 PM

    @Marty H: Gerry, Bertie & Phil would be the top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:57 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Gerry?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:07 PM

    @Marty H: Nailed on top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about Charlie?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:54 PM

    @Marty H: Charlie was a rogue, not in the same league as the other three.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Mehole & Donnelly are in the top 5

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    A man that managed to rub a whole nation up the wrong way and become totally hated.
    He pused and bullied his way to the top and basically sneered at everyone.
    He bullied the property tax into revenue
    He tried to bully water charges and even suggested cutting supply to a trickle.
    The people waiting in the long grass waited patiently and struck when hogans arrogance got the better of him.

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    Mute Euro McPúnty
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:34 PM

    @Michael Clinton: a proud Fine Gael man.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:52 PM

    @Michael Clinton: No Politician is indispensable only exception for Ireland was
    CS Parnell .

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    Mute Joan Murray
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:59 PM

    @Michael Clinton: actually, he rubbed a vocal minority rabble up the wrong way. Majority of householders signed up to the water charges and understand water doesnt fall from the skies straight into our taps, and that it is better if our sh##t is not pumped untreated into Dublin Bay, or the waters off Lehinch strand.

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 7:10 PM

    @Joan Murray:
    Well why didn’t the *so called majority* get off their larded backsides to protest to pay the tax…
    I’ll tell you why Joan, it was because YOU are the minority.
    People like you like to look down their noses at others, if you feel so bad then stop the nearest politician and hand him/her your money.
    As for effluent going into Dublin bay, that only happens when flooding and rain deluges the tanks.

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    Mute SC
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    Aug 31st 2020, 6:09 AM

    @Joan Murray: it was an attempt to privatise that bothered me. I have money and can pay but will not allow privatisation.

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    Mute Stephen Walsh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    FG & FF are rotten to the core end of

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: as opposed to SF who are shining lights of rectitude, probity & are unfailingly kind to furry animals.
    How lucky we are to have them.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Sinn Féin are living in your head rent free Justin.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:20 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Your right Jack, it is a constant marvel to me how they manage to fool so many people all of the time. Admirable in a strange sort of way.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:23 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Are you talking about FF or FG there Justin?

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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: fool so many people? They have never been on government in the republic. FFG have been in government for over one hundred years. We have had Charlie and bertie and the burke’s and the Flynn’s. The list goes on and so much corruption.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:26 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: All of them Jack, every single one of them.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:32 PM

    @Brian Madden: Do you honestly think SF are any better? Stormont has been a shambles, the bullying at County Council level is well documented not to mention the Bobby Storey funeral circus, Martina Anderson & the Monaghan Co Councillor who decided to self isolate with her entire family in Donegal after a foreign holiday.
    FF FG & SF are all the same, do as I say not as I do.

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    Mute Brian Flavin
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:33 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: Gobsh*t ALL FFFGGP

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    Mute DCforChange
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about People before profit, The Greens etc. There’s more opposition parties than SF. Can you not just admit FF & FG are rotten to the core. Stop comparing.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:10 PM

    @DCforChange: I don’t know how many different ways I can put this, every single one of them.
    The parties you name are not alone corrupt but incompetent with it. The reason I name SF is because they are big enough to be leaders in a future government.

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    Mute ÓDuibhír Abú
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:30 PM

    @Brian Madden: And the; Roman Church, how low on Morals they are that they couldn’t speak up.!!

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:02 PM

    @ÓDuibhír Abú: Add in the Muslims, Sikhs, Jehovahs & jou begin to get the idea. Nobody is perfect, we are all corrupt & none of us has the right to point the finger at anyone else, we have all pulled strokes & taken shortcuts even with regard to Covid.
    Loads of people who fly in do not respond to follow up phone calls. Up to 50% of those who are supposed to be tested as close contacts do not turn up for their second test.
    Will they all get fired? Will they f__k!!

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:10 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: 100 years of FFFG with the backing of the Labour Party.
    100 years of kissing Archbishops and Bishops rings and cover up’s.
    And we still vote for them
    Why

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    Mute The Risen
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    Bye bye Philip. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya…..

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    Mute D'oh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 8:06 PM

    @The Risen: Farewell Fat Phil.

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    Mute Liam Dempsey
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:34 PM

    The Irish people know and admire a good politician when they see one. They also know a know a high toned skunk when they smell one. When Phil came from Brussels he rode rough shod over Ireland’s covid rules as if he was the law or God almighty. The law didn’t apply to him only the little people but he soon found out. The Irish people had their say eventually.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Liam Dempsey: Have you got a minute
    Tell us who you had in mind That is a good politician that we as Irish people admire.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:18 PM

    Phil Hogan is the happiest man in Ireland, big pensions, can play golf to his hearts content & will get to pick & choose his next big job.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:24 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: You’re right, the cartel always look after their own.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:35 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Its the way of the world Jack. Always has been always will be.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:45 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Especially if you refuse to countenance change.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:12 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Theses the problem Jack, there will be no change, different faces maybe, same corruption.

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    Mute Jimmy Mac
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    He is one of the most arrogant think I ever heard, over payed big headed F—Kers , glad to see him get the sack.

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    Mute Dave Collins
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:40 PM

    Phil…C U Next Tuesday!

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:50 PM

    You will find this boyo heading up a vulture fun soon enough.

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    Mute boss hogg
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    @Michael Clinton: just remember enda Kenny now works as an advisor for an American vulture fund within Ireland.him and that weasel Hayes are two beauties

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    Mute Tom Heffernan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    And all he will be remembered for will be This debacle he got himself into!

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    Mute kevin mc cormack
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:07 PM

    I read recently he also said Ireland should look at raising it corporate tax, in order to access COVID-19 grants from Europe,he has a cheek to call himself an Irishman, he’d sell the shirt off his own back,

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    Mute Logan Shepherd
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    Ah come on lads. As your one in Frozen said “let it go”

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    Mute Johnny Merren
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:31 PM

    Great letter in Irish Times today
    Sir – Obfuscation, evasion and the recitation of rules are essential in trade negotiations.

    Phil Hogan should be the next director general of the World Trade Organisation. – Yours, etc,

    Dr JOHN DOHERTY,

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    Mute Niall Sheridan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:49 PM

    From…..
    To some handy number / sinecure somewhere – “well done good and faithful servant “!!

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    Mute Chewey Bacca
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:03 PM

    National Hero ! Standing up to the CCP and living life to the full. We’ll all be doing this in 12 months. Ahead of his time.

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    Mute Lorcan O'Neill
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    Aug 27th 2020, 9:41 PM

    I know nothing about this man but when I see him the only thing that comes to mind is that he looks like a bully !

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:25 PM

    @Lorcan O’Neill: google his previous form lor an he’s a truly vile pos

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:24 PM

    Big pig Phil

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