A Dublin man was convicted of membership of an illegal organisation at the Special Criminal Court yesterday while a Northern Ireland man was cleared of the same offence.
The two men were arrested after a Garda investigation into the activities of the Continuity IRA which involved the surveillance of a Mercedes car which travelled from Newry to Dublin.
Colm Maguire (32), a native of Ballyfermot with an address at Oatfield Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, was found guilty of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA, on September 13th, 2003.
Brian Quinn (34), Parkhead, Newry, Co Down, was acquitted of the offence after Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, presiding, said the court was not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that he was guilty. Maguire was remanded in custody for sentencing on December 5th.
Both men denied they were IRA members.
