Extra payment 'was essential', IRA trial hears

A witness told a Special Criminal Court trial today that he believed an extra payment of €25,000 demanded after a threat was made to his club was "essential to keep the club open".

Dublin businessman Mr Gerard Cosgrove was giving evidence on the sixth day of the trial of Mr Martin Kelly (aged 47) a former Irish soldier, of Westpark, Artane, Dublin, accused of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on July 29, 2002.