Parents of Irish international Stokes released by gardaí

The parents and uncle of Republic of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes have been released from police custody without charge.

The three were detained by detectives yesterday after ammunition was uncovered at the couple’s pub in Dublin.

Gardaí confirmed earlier today that Paul Byrne, 46, who is an uncle of the Celtic star, had been released without charge.

It was later revealed that the soccer star’s father and mother had also been released without charge.

Police said a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The arrests followed raids in the Irish capital linked to an investigation into a long-running turf war between the so-called Real IRA and drugs gangs.

John Stokes, 54, was last month ordered to remove a massive 40ft banner barring the Queen from his Players Lounge in Fairview, north Dublin, during her forthcoming state visit.

It is understood he was arrested at the pub after a team of Garda officers - including the elite special detective unit – smashed their way in through a side door at around 10am yesterday.

A handful of bullets found in a shed at the back of the pub were taken away for ballistic tests.

Cocaine with a street value of about €500 along with three stun guns were also found on the premises.

His wife – and mother of the young Hoops striker – Joan Stokes, 55, was also arrested at the time.

More than 100 Garda officers were involved in a wave of early-morning searches in north Dublin as part of an inquiry into a bloody row between dissident republicans and organised criminals.

The bitter rivals are locked in a battle for supremacy in a protection racket targeting pubs and clubs.

Last July three men, including a doorman and two customers, were gunned down outside the Players Lounge.

A number of private houses were also searched in the Donaghmede area.

Mr Stokes said last month that he reluctantly agreed to take down the massive anti-Queen banner after a senior garda threatened to object to his application for late licences.

The publican said the livelihoods of his 12 staff members would be at risk if he did not get the licence extensions.

But outside Dublin District Court he vowed to continue his protest against the Queen.

It has been confirmed that the state visit to Ireland will take in a tour of several historically significant sites including Croke Park – the scene of a massacre by British troops – and Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance – which honours all those who fought for Irish freedom.

The trip, from May 17 to 20, will be the first by a British sovereign to the Republic.