Two held on IRA charge

Two men arrested earlier this week in an ongoing Garda investigation into dissident republican activity were charged with membership…

Two men arrested earlier this week in an ongoing Garda investigation into dissident republican activity were charged with membership of an illegal organisation at the Special Criminal Court yesterday.

Mr Laurence Keane (22), of William Street, Athy, Co Kildare, and Mr Stephen O'Rourke (22), of Carbery Park, Athy, Co Kildare, were charged with membership of an illegal organisation, the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on July 24th.

Det Sgt William Hanrahan gave evidence of arresting Mr Keane at 6.40 a.m. on Wednesday. He said Mr Keane made a statement in custody.

Det Sgt Thomas Maguire said he arrested Mr O'Rourke at 7.43 a.m. on Wednesday. He said Mr O'Rourke also made a statement while in custody.

The two men were remanded in custody until Monday.

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