Three men arrested in Donegal on Monday during an investigation into dissident republican activity were charged with membership of the IRA at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday.
The trio included 57-year-old Desmond Donnelly, of Drumall, Lisnarick, Co Fermanagh, 45 year-old, Gerard McGarrigle, of Mount Carmel Heights, Strabane and Jim Murphy, who refused to give his address or age to gardaí. Each was charged with membership
of an illegal organisation.
The three were among five men arrested as part of a probe into dissident republican activity. Two other men arrested as part of the operation were released without charge. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions
On Tuesday night a sixth man in his 30s, was arrested and was being detained at Letterkenny Gardai station.
Yesterday’s court heard evidence the three men were arrested at Letterkenny and Milford on suspicion of membership of an illegal organisation.
Detective Garda Greg Regan said that when he cautioned Gerard McGarrigle replied: “I think your laws is up the left and you are a disgrace to the Irish people.”
He also stated: “I am not a member of any organisation.”
Detective Garda Sean Barrett said that Jim Murphy had refused to give his date of birth or address.
All three men were remanded in custody to appear in court again next Thursday, March 4.
