Man's IRA membership trial set for October

The trial of a Northern Ireland man accused of membership of an illegal organisation has been set for October.

The trial of a Northern Ireland man accused of membership of an illegal organisation has been set for October.

Mr Patrick (PJ) Blair (47), a native of Newry, Co Down, with an address in Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireannn, otherwise the IRA, on December 14th last year.

He is further charged with unlawful possession of 17 rounds of ammunition on the same date.

The Special Criminal Court fixed October 7th as the date for his trial and remanded him in custody until April 29th when a bail application is expected to be heard.