Waterford men charged with IRA membership

Two Co Waterford men arrested during garda investigations into dissident terrorist activity were charged with IRA membership at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today.

Brian O’ Sullivan (aged 31) of The Willows, Tramore, Co Waterford and Joseph Mooney (aged 43) of Cullinagh, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford were each charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on September 22 last year.

Mooney was also charged with the unlawful possession of cannabis, having cannabis for sale or supply to others, and cultivating cannabis at his home on the same date.

Mooney is already facing a charge of the unlawful possession of three mortar firing tubes at his home on September 22 , 2011.

Detective Garda Siobhan Keating, Waterford, told the court that when Mooney was cautioned on the new cannabis charges he replied: ”For personal use. I have never dealt or sold cannabis to anyone in my life. The reason I grew it is that I had a chronic back problem.”

The court remanded both men on bail until April 17 next.