Now that they've left the company they founded and nurtured, Ireland On-Line, the Republic's own Internet moguls Colm Grealy and Barry Flanagan have major, if still mostly mysterious, plans to develop a commanding presence in - what else - the Internet and telecommunications sector.

The duo say they're sourcing new products from abroad for the Irish telecoms and Net market. "We're looking at markets which are a little more mature," says Mr Grealy, which should help them identify new areas of business back in the Republic's more youthful arena.

But expect to see much more from the two, whose departure is estimated by one financial magazine to have removed £6 million from the value of IOL. The diehard Web proselytisers are well aware that the next Net wave is in services. "We're keeping a very open mind on developments within the whole Internet and telecoms area," say the six-million dollar men.