Louth man guilty of IRA membership

A 44-year-old man from Dundalk in County Louth has been convicted of membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army by the Special Criminal Court. Michael Connolly, of Grange Drive, was found guilty following a trial before three judges. The court heard evidence that Connolly was observed driving in convoy with another man in the Ardee area on December 16th, 2014. Both vehicles travelled together to Mullingar, where the other man was found in possession of two improvised explosive devices. The judges accepted belief evidence from a Garda assistant commissioner regarding Connolly's membership and found he was a willing and knowing participant in the enterprise. The court drew inferences from Connolly's silence when questioned on specific matters, finding this corroborated other evidence. Connolly had pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing on July 10th.