Gardai discovered a major bomb factory after raiding a farm in Co Laois, the Special Criminal Court heard yesterday.
The court was told that 17 Special Branch detectives led by Det Supt Basil Walsh raided the farm near the Slieve Bloom mountains on June 20th, 1996.
They broke down a shed door and arrested three men after a violent struggle. The farm's owner, Thomas Conroy, and his nephew, Mr Michael Cully, were also arrested.
The next day gardai discovered "an extremely well-concealed and sophisticated underground bunker" with "a significant arsenal of weaponry", Mr Paul O' Higgins, prosecuting, said.
Thomas Conroy (76) pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of explosive substances, including mortar components, mortars containing Semtex, improvised grenades, timing switches and other material with intent to endanger life at Ballyfarrell, Clonaslee, Co Laois.
He was remanded on bail for sentencing at the end of the trial of four men who deny possessing the explosives.
They are Conroy's nephew, Mr Michael Cully (47), of Ballyfarrell, Clonaslee, Mr Brian McNally (55), of Knocksinna Park, Foxrock, Co Dublin, Mr John Conaty (36), of Balbutcher Park, Ballymun, Dublin, and Mr Gabriel Cleary (53), of Friarstown, Tallaght, Co Dublin.
The men also deny having a semi-automatic pistol, a Bren machinegun, a Luger pistol and ammunition with intent to endanger life and for an unlawful purpose.
Det Supt Walsh of the Special Detective Unit said that as he led detectives to the farm, Conroy and Mr Cully were at the door.
Mr Cully refused entry to the gardai, who had a search warrant, and said: "I am not moving for you lot." He was removed and gardai entered the farmhouse.
The officer said a garda i shout shouted that there were men in a shed. Det Sgt John Gantly shouted: "Armed gardai, open the door and come out". Det Garda Martin Harrington shouted: "They are armed" and Det Sgt Gantly s houted: "Armed gardai".
When there was no response Det Garda David Byrne broke down the door with an axe and inside Det Supt Walsh saw Mr Cleary, Mr Conaty and Mr McNally.
They resisted violently but were eventually handcuffed. Det Supt Walsh said he saw many mortar bombs and bomb-making components.
Mr Paul O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, said gardai found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in Mr Conaty's trousers and a bag with one live round and several spent cartridges in his pocket. Strands of red and black wire were found in Mr Cleary's pocket.
In the shed gardai found a items for mortar bombs being prepared on benches.
The next day gardai found a manhole in the yard with a concrete passage to a large bunker under the house. It contained "a significant arsenal of weaponry", including mortar bombs, grenades, explosives, a Bren machinegun and a Luger pistol.
He said Mr Cleary, Mr McNally and Mr Conaty had no connection with the farm. Mr Cully lived on the farm and Mr O'Higgins said he was "well aware" of what was being made in the shed.
The trial continues today.