Gardaí found republican paraphernalia, IRA membership trial hears

A t-shirt saying "I'm a bomb technician- if you see me running try to keep up" was found in the house of a father-of-ten accused of IRA membership, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Det Sgt Ruairi Corcoran showed the t-shirt to the three-judge court on the first day of the trial of Art Sherwin (aged 55), of Ballinagappa Road, Clane, Co Kildare who denies membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on March 14, 2005.

Det Sgt Corcoran said he found the t-shirt among various other republican paraphernalia and ten alarm clocks when he searched the house as part of a Garda investigation.

Mr Sherwin was present during the raid and was arrested and brought to Rathmines Garda Station where he was interviewed.

Under cross-examination by Mr Diarmaid McGuinness SC, Det Sgt Corcoran said he didn't think it was relevant that Mr Sherwin was an electrician.

Outlining the case for the prosecution Mr Tom O'Connell SC said the court would hear of the belief of Chief Supt Philip Kelly that Mr Sherwin was a member of the unlawful organisation, that he failed to answered material questions during Garda interviews, and that items found in his home could be regarded as further supporting evidence.

The trial continues tomorrow.