“Tell him to keep the price up… in most cases they are bluffing… how often do you get a second chance with the red setter,” read one text message. “I have a good feeling on it…. you’ve done well to pull so many together,” read another. The back and forth exchanges spoke of various men being “in the net” or “in the loop” and urging that “everyone sticks together” to make a profit. The men sending the messages operated school bus routes in Co Tipperary. The exchanges followed a meeting of bus operators at the Anner Hotel in Thurles on…

Read on for just €1

For a limited time, get your first month for €1 and unlock full access to The Currency and The Wall Street Journal – two premium memberships, one subscription.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .