Courts / Dublin / Report

Taped voices at IRA inquiry were not "actors in Garda HQ", appeal told

Date
2019-07-18

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on the appeals of five individuals convicted by the Special Criminal Court for their involvement in an IRA inquiry at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15, on August 7th and 8th, 2015. Kevin Hannaway (71) and Eva Shannon (61), both of Belfast, were sentenced to 45 months and 48 months imprisonment respectively for assisting the interviewing of persons involved in IRA-organised criminal activities. Seán Hannaway (48) received five years and six months, David Nooney (53) three years and nine months, and Edward O'Brien (42) 16 months, all for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. All five defendants, who had denied the charges, are appealing their convictions. DPP counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC argued that covert audio recordings were authentic evidence, rejecting defence claims that they were fabricated by Garda HQ. She contended the Special Criminal Court erred in ruling that gardaí breached the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, stating such issues went to the weight of evidence rather than admissibility. Defence counsel highlighted gaps in surveillance coverage and alleged statutory breaches regarding the handling of the recordings. The bench, comprising Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice John Edwards, and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, heard submissions before reserving judgment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Taped voices at IRA inquiry were not "actors in Garda HQ", appeal told. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

August 7th Other
August 8th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-07-18 Publication

Why: Ms Lawlor said it was "bizarre" to suggest the recording was not authentic because Ms Shannon, the only female heard on the tape, admitted 'that's me'. CNI source report

Case subjects

Eva Shannon

Convicted Person

Outcome: Eva Shannon (61) of Oakman Street, in Belfast were sentenced to 45 months and 48 months imprisonment respectively for assisting the interviewing of persons involved in IRA-organised criminal activities at Riverwood Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15 on August 7th and 8th, 2015.