An uncle who exercised "a major physical dominance" over nephews he buggered and sexually assaulted for years has been jailed for life by Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court.
The 40-year-old former soldier from an east Leinster county is already serving seven years imposed in 1995 for buggering the children's cousin.
The abuse of the four young brothers began in 1986 and continued to 1994. He threatened to kill them if they told anyone.
One of the boys told gardai he tried to assert himself when he was 15 and kicked his uncle in the jaw and neck, but was overpowered and again raped.
In a statement, the boys' mother said the family wanted no mercy shown to the defendant because he had shown no mercy to them.
Mr Justice Carney imposed life sentences on the buggery charges but would give the defendant a chance by directing the suspension of the sentences after four-and-a-half years had been served.