Two Sligo men charged with IRA membership

Two Sligo men have appeared at an out-of-term sitting of the Special Criminal Court charged with membership of the IRA.

Damhan McFadden (27) of Kilmacowen, Ballysadare and Julian Flohr (35) of Rusheen Ard, Caltra, both in County Sligo, were charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on August 14.

Garda Kieran Staed, of Sligo garda station, told State Solicitor Liam Mulholland that he arrested Mr McFadden today at 5.25pm on Pearse Rd in Sligo.

The garda cautioned Mr McFadden, to which the accused man made no reply, the court heard.

Garda Staed said that he informed Mr McFadden he was to be brought before the Special Criminal Court and detained him at Sligo garda station.

He transported Mr McFadden to the Special Criminal Court today/yesterday, the court heard, and showed him the charge sheet.

Again, Mr McFadden made no reply, Garda Staed said.

Garda Eamon McDonnell, also of Sligo garda station, told Mr Mulholland that he arrested Mr Flohr today at 5.26pm.

When the garda cautioned Mr Flohr, the accused man made no reply, the court heard.

Garda McDonnell said that he then informed Mr Flohr that he was to be brought before the Special Criminal Court to be charged with the offence for which he was arrested.

Later, at the court, the garda showed Mr Flohr the charge sheet and explained it in ordinary language, the court heard.

Again, Mr McFadden made no reply, Garda McDonnell said.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge William Hamill, remanded both men in custody until Friday, August 19, when their case is listed for mention and they are to appear via videolink.