Those Shannon routes were earmarked for closure some weeks ago but the Ryanair
PR machine announced several new routes for Shannon on the same day so there's no net loss or gain for Shannon which will continue to have 4 aircraft based there at least untill the Christmas 2004 deal comes up for renewal.
Santa Claus couldn't have matched Shannon Airport's generosity that year. Ask Thompsonfly, British Airways Regional, Hapag Lyod expess, Flybe, Easyjet and Aerlingus.