Four Northern Ireland men arrested during Garda investigations into dissident republican activity were charged at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today with membership of an illegal organisation.
They are Mr Garreth O'Connor (23) of Bawnbrook Hill, Armagh City; Mr Cathal Loughran (26) of Fairy Road, Clady, Co Armagh; Mr Dominic Dynes (30), of St Matthews Estate, Keady, Co Armagh; and Mr Aidan Grew (52), of Benburb St, Blackwatertown, Co Armagh.
All four were charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republic Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on November 8th.
The four men were remanded in custody until November 19th next when bail applications are expected to be heard.
The court heard that the four men were arrested in Monaghan by Special Branch detectives investigating the activities of republican activists.
Mr Dynes and Mr Loughran were arrested at Lathlorcan, Co Monaghan, at 2.45 p.m. on Friday, and Mr Grew and Mr O'Connor were arrested later the same day in Monaghan town.
Det Garda Brian Maher told the court he was on duty in Co Monaghan investigating republican activity. He said he arrested Mr Dynes on suspicion of being a member of an unlawful organisation. Det Garda Maher said his belief was based on confidential information he had.