Military manuals found in flat of man accused of IRA membership

Military manuals including weaponry and explosive information were found in the flat of a Carlow man accused of IRA membership, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Mark Doran (aged 27), of Poachers Lock, Leighlinbridge, Carlow denies membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, ( IRA) on October 26 2006.

In his opening for the prosecution Mr Tom O’Connell SC said gardaí searched Mr Doran’s flat as part of their investigation into ongoing Real IRA activities in the Carlow area.

Among the items found were military manuals, books and DVDs, raffle tickets used during a fundraiser for the families of IRA prisoners, and two bodhráns, one with a picture of a woman with a rifle and the other with signatures from several Port Laoise prisoners.

Chief Supt Michael Byrnes also gave evidence of his belief that Mr Doran was a member of the IRA.

He told Mr O’Connell that he claimed privilege on the sources of his belief but that it was based on both garda and non-garda sources.

Under-cross examination by defence counsel, Mr John O’Kelly SC, Chief Supt Byrnes denied his belief was “erroneous.” He said that the reason he couldn’t identify the source of the information was because ongoing investigations could be jeopardised and peoples’ lives would be at risk.

The trial before Mr Justice John Mc Menamin presiding at the three-judge court continues tomorrow.