chat system

Well the software is all ready to go, and I did end up deciding on using irc to handle the chat system because I couldnt get a strictly web based system to update quick enough to be fully real time like irc is.

Right now, Im shopping around for an irc server to put the permanant channel on. I am having problems finding an irc network that meets the requirements, so since a few people spoke up about having the chat system on irc, I thought I would ask here.

Network Requirements :
Server in .uk ( to make things as fast as possible for most people )
Low user count ( to make sure as many people as possible can use their forum nicks )
IP address/host masking ( to prevent denial of service attacks and other little things )


This definately strikes out the big networks , and thats good because nobody wants to fight with 50,000 other people for their nickname.

I am easily finding networks that can handle 2 of the 3, but not all 3.

Any input is appreciated.

Sinner

:)