Four guns, a makeshift firing range and targets were discovered by gardaí when they raided a suspected Continuity IRA training camp in the Comeragh mountains, the Special Criminal Court heard today.
Up to 60 shots were heard being fired, including rifle and small arms fire.
Nine men arrested at the scene have pleaded guilty to firearms offences.
Mr Patrick Deery (53), a native of Claudy, Co Derry, with an address at Woodhouse, Stradbally, Co Waterford; Mr Joseph Mooney (36), of Ozzier Court, Co Waterford; Mr John O'Halloran (34), of Ross Avenue, Mulgrave St, Limerick; Mr Mark Mc Mahon(36), of Commodore Barry Park, Wexford; Mr Patrick J. Kelly (37), of Belvedere Grove, Wexford and Mr Dean Coleman (23), of Clarina Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick all pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a American model rifle in suspicious circumstances at Knocknaree, Knockatedaun, Ballmacarbry, Co Waterford on August 3rd, 2003.
Mr Thomas Barry (21), of Larchville, Lisduggan, Co Waterford and Mr Brian Galvin (38), of Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a shotgun in suspicious circumstances at Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford on the same date.
Mr Michael Leahy (23), of McCarthyville, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co Waterford pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a sawn-off single-barrel shotgun at Ballmacarbry, Co Waterford on the same date.
Prosecuting counsel Mr Patrick J. Mc Carthy SC told the court that gardaí acting on information had kept an forested area six miles from Clonmel in the Comeragh mountains under observation.
The watched the area for around two hours before moving in and arresting the nine men. "The purpose was to conduct a training camp or training activities with firearms," Mr McCarthy said.
He said makeshift paper targets containing holes, spare targets and two rifles mounted on tripods approximately 100 metres from the targets were found.
Three of the four guns seized were legally-held, while the fourth was stolen, the court heard.
Ms Deirdre Murphy SC, who appeared for Mr Mooney, said her client had told gardaí after his arrest that he was stalking deer.
"This was not a sophisticated operation," she said. "It's a group of men up in the Comeragh mountains with sporting rifles, three of which were legally held."
Mr Justice Richard Johnson, presiding, said the court hoped to give its sentences on Thursday.