Man refused to answer special branch questioning
A Co Louth man accused of membership of an illegal organisation was questioned by gardai about a dissident republican operation in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, the Special Criminal Court heard today.
The court was told that Sean Mulligan replied: ``No comment’’ when asked by Special Branch detectives if entries in a notebook found at his house referred to an operation at Derrylin when the RUC discovered a mortar bomb and missiles and a number of men were arrested.
Mulligan was one of four men arrested after Special Branch detectives swooped on a room at the Neptune Beach hotel in Bettystown, Co Meath in July last year.
The court has been told that gardaí found a stun gun in the room which had been booked under a false name.
Sean Mulligan, aged 52, of Carnalughogue, Louth village, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on July 29 last year.
Detective Garda Rory Corcoran said that he questioned Mulligan about a notebook found at his home.
Mulligan was asked about references to ``an operation’’ and if this referred to the incident at Derrylin and he replied: ``No comment.’’
He also replied: ``No comment’’ when asked if he compiled the notes in his capacity as a member of an illegal organisation.
Detective Garda Corcoran was asked by Mr Justice Richard Johnson, presiding, if there had been an incident at Derrylin and he replied that a number of men had been arrested by the RUC during the incident.
Chief Superintendent Michael Finnegan earlier told the court that he believed Mulligan was a member of an illegal organisation on July 29 last year.
The trial continues tomorrow.
