Fact, fiction, myth - stories of ‘Slab’ Murphy abound

THOMAS “Slab” Murphy insists he is an honest farmer trying to make a living on the Border.

The security and intelligence services on both sides of that border allege he has built up a multi-million euro fortune through a massive criminal empire and was a long time IRA chief of staff. He has never been convicted of anything.

Weapons, fuel, drink, cigarettes, cattle - he is alleged to have smuggled them all. His farm straddles the south Armagh/Co Louth border, making it a prime location for anyone wanting to smuggle goods.