From earlier in the thread.....
"This was denied by the flight captain, Pearse McCrann, who said he phoned his superiors and was assured the regulations were adhered to. He backed their decision. The flight was safe, with no danger."
Surely not the same Capt. McCrann who went to Virgin Express Ireland with less than 2500 hours total, hardly any B737-300 time, got a command instantly and was made a Line Training Captain very soon after that? Seems its not what you know but who you know.