Hi Rog,
I've paddled the larger Thunder a good bit and I was well impressed with it, the only thing is I paddled it in nice large volume water where its planing hull comes into its own. Sadly this type of water isn't what we have in Ireland, that's why I have a Riot Magnum 80 which has a combined hull ( displacement hull up front / planing hull at centre and rear) which it the best design style for Irish conditions the WS Habitat has a hull along the same lines. The displacement hull will let you set yo angle as you go over shallow ledges and slides.
The Magnum 80 is quiet simply awesome and I have never paddled its equal ( Benny will confirm this for you as to how good they are), So in short if you can get your hands on a magnum it would suit your needs in Ireland better. The Thunder is still wicked but in my opinion its not the best Riot boat for the majority of boating I do.
I have to disclose an association with i-canoe.
Adrian