Firstly, thanks to everyone for their kind comments both on and off the forum. Sadly, for reasons I am not prepared to go into or discuss in public, I feel I have no choice but to do this - and it's with a very heavy heart that I do so.

I would like to make it absolutely clear that my decision has nothing whatsoever to do with the actions of anyone who contributes to this forum/website or Holy McG or the Eds.

Undoubtedly, I will still stick my head around the corner from time to time. As all of you know, this place is full of great people who are hard to stay away from. Obviously, I am still available for stay-overs for and trips out with anyone that heads Dublin way.

Until we meet in the stones ...