Mayo brothers to stand trial on explosives and IRA Membership charges

Two brothers from Claremorris in County Mayo have been remanded to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court in December 2015 on charges relating to membership of an unlawful organisation and explosives offences. Colin Mannion, aged 33, and Brian Mannion, aged 31, both of Burriscarra, Clogher, face allegations of IRA membership on 9 June 2012. They are also charged with unlawful possession of explosive substances including RDX and PETN, along with detonators and electrical components found at their home on the same date. At a hearing this week, legal representatives for both men sought a trial date, which the presiding judge, Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley, fixed for 2 December 2015. The court imposed strict procedural requirements, including notification of any alibi defence within 14 days and provision of witness notice 21 days before trial.