A Monaghan man has appeared at an out-of-term sitting of the Special Criminal Court charged with IRA membership.
James Joseph Cassidy, 53, of Tullycollive, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan was charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on 21 September this year.
Sgt Kieran Regan, of Carrickmacross Garda Station, told the court that he arrested Mr 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 Mr Cassidy he was to be brought before the next sitting of the Special Criminal Court and detained him at Carrickmacross Garda Station.
He then transported Mr 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, Mr 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 Mr Cassidy in custody until 29 September, 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."
