Courts / Louth / Report

Alleged IRA target to be of "military and symbolic" significance, trial hears

Date
2017-10-10

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dromiskin

County
Louth

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Seamus McGrane, aged 63, was accused of directing IRA activities between 19 April and 13 May 2015. He allegedly told Donal O'Coisdealbha that an operation would target a site of "military" and "symbolic" significance, with reference to the State visit of Prince Charles on 19 May 2015. McGrane denied membership in the IRA from 18 January 2010 to 13 May 2015. A recorded conversation from 10 May 2015, captured by bugged microphones, described rocket building and testing, and mentioned a target 400 metres from the Cross of Sacrifice in Glasnevin cemetery. Garda searches on 13 May 2015 at McGrane's home and business uncovered bomb‑making components, including detonators, ammunition, a rocket, fireworks, a revolver, potash, syrup, mortar tubes, a garda uniform and a checkpoint sign. The case remains before Judges Kennedy, Ni Chulachain and Dunne. Seamus McGrane pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Alleged IRA target to be of "military and symbolic" significance, 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 Incident
May 13th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
January 18th, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
May 10th 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
January 2015 Incident
May 10th Hearing Or Sentence
May 19th Hearing Or Sentence
May 13th Hearing Or Sentence
2017-10-10 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