A major security operation was mounted at Limerick District Court yesterday where two men were charged with the false imprisonment of the murdered criminal figure, Mr Kieran Keane.
Mr Anthony McCarthy (21), The Fairgreen, Limerick and Mr Dessie Dundon (20), Hyde Road, Limerick, were also charged with the false imprisonment of Mr Keane's nephew, Mr Owen Treacy, on January 29th last.
Armed detectives and members of the Emergency Response Unit patrolled the area outside the courthouse during the 30-minute hearing.
The tension outside was palpable as people shouted threats at the accused men as they were being led by gardaí to and from the court building.
The court heard that both men were arrested in Kilkenny last Friday night.
Bail was refused in the case of Mr Dundon following an objection by the State, who said that more serious charges are expected.
Insp Bob Noonan said he believed that Mr Dundon was part of an ongoing feud in the city and that if released on bail he would become involved in this feud "which will result in the loss of life".
The court heard that in the last month a number of firearms had been seized - including one Uzi submachine gun - which gardaí believe were destined for feuding factions in Limerick.
Insp Noonan said that when arrested in Kilkenny last Friday night, Mr Dundon gave a false name and address. This was the second time he had given gardaí a false name and address. Insp Noonan said that just hours after Mr Keane's murder, Mr Dundon gave gardaí a false name and address when he was stopped driving through Roscrea.
Mr Dundon said the reason he gave a false name on that occasion was because he was driving without insurance.
The accused denied that he was involved in any ongoing feud and also denied giving a false name to gardaí when he was arrested in Kilkenny last Friday night.
Judge Tom O'Donnell refused bail because of the seriousness of the charge and said he had to take into account the possibility of further charges.
Mr McCarthy's solicitor, Mr Aeneas McCarthy, did not apply for bail.
Judge O'Donnell remanded both men in custody until Thursday next, when they will reappear before Limerick District Court.