Monaghan man charged with IRA membership

A Monaghan man appeared on Friday evening at an out-of-term sitting of the Special Criminal Court charged with IRA membership.

James Joseph Cassidy (53), of Tullycollive, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA, on September 21st this year.

Sgt Kieran Regan, of Carrickmacross Garda station, told the court that at 5.46pm on Friday he arrested Cassidy on Main St, Carrickmacross.

The detective cautioned Mr Cassidy, to which the accused man made no reply, the court heard.

Sgt Regan said that he informed Cassidy he was to be brought before the next sitting of the Special Criminal Court and detained him at Carrickmacross Garda station.

Charge sheet

He then transported Cassidy to the Special Criminal Court, the court heard, and showed him the charge sheet.

Again, Mr Cassidy made no reply, the sergeant said.

During the brief hearing, Cassidy sat in a grey sweatshirt, with his arms folded. When asked by the court’s registrar to stand up, he remained seated. He did not speak when asked to confirm his identity.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Aileen Donnelly and Judge Gerard Haughton, remanded Cassidy in custody until next Thursday, September 29th, when a bail application is expected to be made.

Referring to the accused man, the presiding judge said, “If this is to be an application, I hope he finds his tongue.”