Courts / Louth / Report

Man accused of directing the IRA discussed making explosives, trial hears

Date
2017-10-09

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Louth

County
Louth

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organisation styled the Irish Republican Army (IRA) between 19 April and 13 May 2015. The court listened to an audio recording from a surveillance device placed in the Coachman's Inn pub in Dublin on 19 April 2015. In the recording, McGrane described mixing fertiliser, glucose and corn syrup, grinding the fertiliser, adding sugar and corn syrup, and testing the resulting compound. He also spoke of boiling the materials, discussing chemical ratios, and a timer device. McGrane mentioned a "science graduate" who could assist, and talked about strategies for England and other areas. He questioned the relevance of the IRA in 2016 and criticised police and Sinn Féin. The trial continues before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge Cormac Dunne.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of directing the IRA discussed making explosives, trial hears. Charges or matters: directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between the dates of April 19th and May 13th, 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

April 19th Hearing Or Sentence
May 13th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
January 18th, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
April 19th 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-10-09 Publication

Case subjects

Seamus McGrane

Defendant

Charges: directing the activities of an unlawful organization, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, between the dates of April 19th and May 13th, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty