A trainee barrister, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, was arrested near the Irish border on suspicion of involvement in a New IRA operation, her lawyer stated that she previously spent time in Syria. Irish police reported making an "extremely significant seizure" of a sophisticated explosive device, described as potentially the most advanced seized since the Troubles.
Sullivan was apprehended when the Garda's Special Detective Unit stopped a vehicle south of Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. A man in his 40s, reportedly a suspected member of the New IRA's Dublin branch, was also arrested.
Sullivan, from Clane, Co Kildare, appeared before Trim District Court and was charged with possession of explosives. She was granted bail on Friday, with her solicitor, Gavin Booth, telling the court that Sullivan had been a member of a "political group" and had spent time in Syria. Booth added that Sullivan had since distanced herself from politics to focus on her legal studies and was allegedly asked to transport a bag without knowing its contents, suggesting she was "manipulated."
Her parents are reportedly devastated and cannot comprehend the events. Sullivan was granted bail after providing a €15,000 independent surety, surrendering her passport, and adhering to a strict curfew. The male suspect remained in Garda custody.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed the nature of the operation, stating the seizure was of a constructed explosive device that "could have potentially caused significant damage." He emphasized that the operation was intelligence-led and commended the officers involved. Kelly noted that a small minority of dissident republicans continue to pose a threat, and authorities work closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and UK intelligence services to address this.
Ireland's Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, called the seizure "very worrying." PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck affirmed a joint commitment to combating the dissident republican threat across the border. Carrickmacross is approximately six miles from the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, an area where sporadic attacks by militant groups have continued despite a peace deal.