Rowan Gallagher
Two Mayo brothers charged with possession of explosives and membership of the IRA have been granted bail at the Special Criminal Court.
Colin Mannion (32) of Burriscarra, Clogher, Claremorris, and Brian Mannion (29) also of Burriscarra, Clogher, Claremorris, are accused of being in possession of explosives material on Saturday, June 9, at a house close to the village of Carnacon. Both were granted conditional bail on Friday, June 15.
Both Colin and Brian Mannion must reside in their house in Burriscarra, surrender their passports and not associate with criminals. The brothers are also under curfew from 11pm to 8am, must be contactable 24 hours a day via mobile phone and must sign on in Castlebar Garda station between 9am and 9pm daily.
An independent surety of €20,000 was given by Brian Mannion’s parents, Denis and Margaret Mannion, from their joint account. Margaret Mannion gave a further surety of €14,000 on Colin Mannion’s behalf from a Credit Union account. Both sums in the respective accounts were frozen.
Bail conditions waived for wedding
The court waived some of the bail conditions so the two can attend their cousin’s wedding on July 6. The brothers may stay overnight on the day in question but must notify Gardaí if they choose to do so.
Both applied for legal aid, which was granted by Mr Justice Paul Butler. The Mayo brothers will appear again at a sitting of the Special Criminal Court, October 2.