The trial of two Waterford men accused of INLA membership has begun at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.
John O'Donoghue (27), Clonard Park, Ballybeg and James Butler (55), Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, both Co Waterford, have pleaded not guilty to membership of the Irish National Liberation Army, the INLA, on June 18th this year.
Opening the prosecution case, Mary Ellen Ring SC told the court that in June, Waterford gardaí had received information concerning the unlawful possession of firearms and possible explosive devices in Waterford.
On the morning of June 18th, gardaí searched a house in Clonard Park and found two balaclavas and a black peaked cap with a long-haired wig attached.
While the search was under way, Mr O'Donoghue arrived at the house. His car was searched and bank statements issued to him at an address in Larchville Estate were found.
Ms Ring also told the court that on the same morning, another Garda team searched a house in Ardmore Park and that James Butler was there.
She said that mobile phones, an assortment of documents, as well as clothing bearing the insignia "Kevin Barry Cumann" were found.
Ms Ring said a third search then took place at Larchville Estate, Waterford.
While that search was under way, the postman arrived and included in the post were letters addressed to Mr O'Donoghue at that address.
She said that as a result of the search, a black hold-all bag was found in the attic containing two replica hand-guns, four balaclavas, gloves, a screwdriver and a vehicle licence plate.
Ms Ring said that during a subsequent Garda interview, Mr Butler "made admissions to being a member of the INLA".
She said the case against Mr O'Donoghue was based on the belief of Waterford gardaí, Mr O'Donoghue's access to the house at Larchville and the black hold-all which was found there.
She said that the case against Mr Butler was also based on the belief of Waterford gardaí, as well as the admissions of INLA membership she said that Mr Butler had made during Garda questioning and his alleged attendance at various fundraisers.
The trial before Mr Justice Paul Butler at the three-judge court continues today.