Man charged with IRA membership

A Dublin man has been charged with possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as membership of the IRA, at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court today.

Darren Mooney (aged 25), Landen Rd, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, was charged with possession of firearms, including one Smith and Wesson .38 calibre five-shot revolver, one Ivor Johnston .32 calibre five shot revolver and one Muscleman handy electronic shotgun, and possession of ammunition, including 17 rounds of .38 calibre ammunition and five rounds of 7.65 calibre ammunition, at Landen Rd on Saturday last.

He was also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on the same date.

Det Gda Colm Finnerty told the court that Mr Mooney was arrested on Sunday night and made no reply when cautioned.

The accused was remanded in custody until later in the week when a bail application is expected to be heard.