Again on your first question - the relevant articles of association of a company will dictate the means by which a certain percentage of the shareholders of a company can decide to sell the company, even if 100% of shareholders don't agree. The most common percentage I have seen is 80% - so if 80% of the shareholders (i.e. holders of 80% of the shares) vote to accept an acquisition offer, the other shareholders can be "dragged" along in the sale. I would be surprised if Goodbodys didn't mention that in the letter they sent to you but sometimes nominee holders (like Goodbodys can be) don't pass along the full documentation that they would have received from the company as the registered shareholder. If the sale went through with the requisite percentage approval from the shareholders, there is nothing you can do to get your shares back.
Sprite