A former Irish soldier described as "an important member of the IRA in the Dublin area" was jailed for four years by the Special Criminal Court yesterday.
Frank Burke (44), a father of nine, of Sheephill Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty to IRA membership on September 23rd, 1997.
He also admitted the unlawful possession of three semiautomatic rifles, a semiautomatic pistol, a revolver and 481 rounds of assorted ammunition at a flat at Rialto Court, Rialto, on the same date.
Det Insp John Kerin said he and other gardai raided a flat in Rialto and found the five guns and ammunition.
