An employee of the National Museum of Ireland and a trainee barrister have been charged with possession of explosives following the interception of a device near the border with Northern Ireland. The incident is suspected to be linked to the New IRA.
Simon O'Donovan, 44, a museum worker at Collins Barracks, was arrested by the Garda Special Detective Unit near Carrickmacross, approximately six miles from the border. He appeared before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Saturday evening, where his bail was refused. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again on Monday.
Trainee barrister Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, was charged in connection with the same incident. She appeared before Trim District Court on Friday. Her lawyer stated that Sullivan claimed she was asked to transport a bag across the border and was unaware of its contents. During a search of the vehicle Sullivan was reportedly driving, a bag containing Semtex and a detonator was discovered.
Sullivan was granted bail but remains in custody pending a further bail hearing on Monday. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the seizure as "extremely significant" and stated that the device was constructed from military-grade plastic and could have caused considerable damage. The device is understood to be the most sophisticated bomb intercepted by police since the period of The Troubles.
Sullivan's solicitor, Gavin Booth, informed the district court that his client had previously been involved with a "political group" and had spent time in Syria. However, Booth emphasized that Sullivan had since disengaged from politics to focus on her legal studies. Sullivan, a recent law graduate, reportedly lives with her father, who he described as being unable to comprehend the recent events. Booth suggested Sullivan may have been "manipulated" and that her parents would ensure strict adherence to bail conditions if granted.
The interception and subsequent charges highlight ongoing security concerns in the region.