Andrew Carey
andrew@limerickpost.ie
TWO Limerick men were remanded in custody in Northern Ireland this week on charges relating to alleged terrorism offences.
Pensioners, Joe Lynch, (73), of Beechgrove Avenue and Sean O’Neill, (75), from Quinn’s Cottages, Rosbrien were two of seven men lodged before Newry Magistrates Court this Monday following what was described as an MI5 swoop into the alleged activities of dissidents.
The two Limerick men face a total of five charges and are accused of directing terrorism, membership of a illegal organisation, conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life and preparation for acts of terrorism.
Lynch and O’Neill were among 12 men, ranging in age from 30 to 75, arrested at a house in Newry on November 10 last.
PSNI officers were involved in a cross border intelligence led operation with Gardai that led them to the house in Newry, County Down.
During the brief hearing, where there was a large security presence as the men stood in the dock together, the court heard that the British intelligence service, MI5, used a listening device to record conversations at the house over a period of time.
It is alleged that during that time the men allegedly discussed weapons training and funding for terrorist activities.
Plots to carry out attacks on senior figures are also alleged to have been recorded during the surveillance period.
Both men were remanded in custody pending the advancement of their cases before the court by way of trial.
