Champion power-lifter denies any knowledge of IRA activities

A champion power-lifter, on trial for IRA membership and firearms offences, told gardaí that he was on his way home from giving a building estimate when “all hell broke loose” and he was arrested by detectives.

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence of garda interviews with Des Ryan (aged 54), who has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on August 8, 2010.