Two Limerick men were jailed by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday for offences connected with the discovery of a Kalashnikov assault rifle, ammunition and Semtex at a house in the city last November.
Garda Sgt Dan Haugh told the court he had information the house in the Garryowen area was being used by the "Real IRA" at the time.
Christopher Dineen (54), a panel-beater and father of two, of Sarsfield Court, Garryowen, Limerick, was jailedfor five years for the possession of an AKM assault rifle and ammunition, two years for possession of a smoke hand grenade and seven years for possession of Semtex, but the court suspended the final two years of the sentence for that offence.
James Bullman (38), a chef and former Irish soldier, St Mary's Park, Limerick, was jailed for five years for the unlawful possession of ammunition, with the final year suspended and for two years for possession of a smoke hand-grenade. The sentences are to run concurrently.