X0201 4 2004-01-20 0 0000940181 SKILLSOFT PUBLIC LIMITED CO SKIL 0001239250 TOWNSEND MARK 20 INDUSTRIAL PARK DR NASHUA NH 03062 0 1 0 0 EVP, Technology American Depositary Shares 2002-01-20 2004-01-20 4 S 0 7000 8.5 D 661958 D American Depositary Shares 2004-01-21 2004-01-21 4 S 0 4500 8.5 D 657458 D American Depositary Shares 59185 I Trust American Depositary Shares (ADSs) evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, each of which represents one ordinary share, nominal value 0.11 (Euro) per share, of Skillsoft Public Limited Company. Sale made pursuant to Mr. Townsend's Rule 10b5-1 Plan adopted in December 2003. These shares are held in the trust for the benefit of Mr. Townsend's wife, children, and grand children. Mr. Townsend's spouse is the trustee of the trust. Mr. Townsend disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities, and the filing of this report is not an admission that Mr. Townsend is the beneficial owner of these securities for the purposes of Section 16 or any other purpose. Greg Porto (For Mark Townsend) 2004-01-22