Cork man succeeds in having bail varied to attend hurling final

A Cork man charged with IRA membership and firearms offences has had his bail conditions varied so he can attend the All-Ireland hurling final.

Anthony Carroll (30), Bishopstown, and another man were arrested in February in Togher by local detectives as part of an investigation into the activities of dissident republicans.

They were charged before the Special Criminal Court with IRA membership and with the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver and ammunition.

The court fixed bail of an independent surety of €20,000 each and their own bond of €100.

Other conditions included signing on daily at a Garda station, surrendering their passports, obeying a curfew and not associating with anyone charged or convicted at the Special Criminal Court.

Mr Carroll returned to court yesterday to apply to vary his bail conditions. Niamh Ó Donnabháin said he wished to go to the All-Ireland hurling final in Dublin on Sunday and was requesting that his curfew be lifted on Saturday and Sunday nights. The State consented and the variation was allowed.