Monaghan man to face trial next month after weapons cache discovery

A man from Monaghan has been remanded on bail pending trial at the Special Criminal Court following his arrest in connection with a significant weapons discovery. The 43-year-old was apprehended in Carrickmacross in November 2015 during an investigation into dissident republican activity. Gardaí recovered a substantial cache including assault rifles, mortars, detonators, and components of explosive devices. He faces a charge of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Mr Justice Tony Hunt set a trial date of 15 May at the non-jury court, with proceedings expected to span two weeks. The defendant was released on continuing bail conditions ahead of the trial.