UA still operate SNN EWR, I think ORD was announced when the DAA's role there was in its final weeks. Perception in the media is that Shannon is thriving since it broke away while Cork is stagnant. Their biggest customer Aerlingus has been just tweaking it's schedule in recent years . Ryanair has engaged in significant expansion since 2010 although most of it has involved going head to head with other carriers rather than opening new routes.
2014 might of course tell a different story and Shannon has fallen a lot further than Cork in the last five years.
Ryan
The summer before ORD was announced, over the same peak period 4 weekly flights extra operated to EWR. This year that extra capacity has moved to ORD service.
Remember media and fact are very different, they have yet to pick up the reduction by EI in winter.
Really hoping for Aer Lingus mainline 2014 growth even with maybe a new route, wouldn't hold my breath but they haven't expanded all a lot in the last 2 years.
And this trend will likely continue, they said in July at there will be little growth in 2014 and what will happen is with current capacity will be changed to get the best revenue. They did say there is some scope during peak season (July/August) for some growth however they are looking at ways to allow this without increasing costs to much.