Cross resident known as ‘Spider’ arrested over IRA bomb plot

Cross resident known as ‘Spider’ arrested over IRA bomb plot


Ciara Galvin

A man wanted over a plot to kill police officers in a mortar-bomb attack in Northern Ireland was arrested in the village of Cross last week. Ryan McKenna, originally from Northern Ireland, had been living in the area for the past number of years. He had been under surveillance by a covert military unit for six maonths.
Northern Ireland authorities have requested the extradition of Mr McKenna from the Republic. He is said to have been arrested in relation to the April 5, 2007, discovery of a live mortar, complete with launching tube near the Cornakinnegar Road outside Lurgan, Co Armagh.
Known locally as ‘Spider’, the 24 year old was living in Cross village and was working with a local food-delivery business.
McKenna is accused of conspiracy to cause an explosion in Lurgan in 2007. He also faces a charge of possession of an explosive with intent to endanger life or property, and possession of an explosive in suspicious circumstances.
He has been remanded in custody at the High Court in Dublin.