Five men were brought before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today charged in connection with an investigation into dissident republican activity in the Co Louth area.
The men were arrested last Sunday in Co Louth.
Eamon Lennon (34) of Inniskeen in Co Monaghan; Barry O’Brien (38) with an address at Stonetown in Dundalk, Co Louth,; and Neil Smith (37) and Des Ryan (53) both with addresses at Tubberfinn, Donore, Co Louth, were today charged with membership of an illegal organisation, namely the IRA, on August 8th last.
Mr Lennon, Mr O’Brien and Mr Ryan were further charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm at separate locations in Dundalk last Sunday.
Paul Maguire (24) of Drumleek South, Castleblayney in Co Monaghan was charged with unlawfully having a sawn-off shotgun at Dundalk’s Ecco Road on the same date.
The Special Criminal Court, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne presiding, was today told that Mr O’Brien, who appeared in court with cuts and bruising to his head, had been hospitalised following his arrest for “pronounced injuries” which required “stitches”.
Lawyers representing Mr O’Brien said their client “wanted to be clear” that he was alleging he had been assaulted at the time of his arrest. The court was told Mr O’Brien replied “I am not a member of the IRA” when charged with the offence of membership of an illegal organisation earlier today.
None of the accused applied for bail today. Solicitors representing a number of the men indicated that such applications would be made at a later date.
All five have been remanded in custody to appear before the Special Criminal Court again next Tuesday.