Three men found with guns appear in court
A G3 Heckler and Koch 7.62mm
THREE young men found with an array of combat weaponry and explosives at two locations in Co Kildare will have to wait until at least next month to learn their trial date.
“I remember this,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan, “the lads running around in the forest!” He was speaking about 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald, Portrush, Kiltegan, Shane Kinsella (21), Tinnock, Kiltegan, and 20-year-old Daniel Quinn-Burke, Allendale Lawns, Baltinglass, who are collectively charged with four counts of possession of firearms and explosives in a forest near Ponsonby Bridge, Straffan on 2 March 2024, and the explosives at Mr Fitzgerald’s address later that day.
Detective Garda Brian Foran told the court that although no further charges were expected against Mr Quinn-Burke and Mr Kinsella, further charges were expected against Mr Fitzgerald.
When the judge asked simply: “DPP?” DG Foran replied: “Directions for all three are trial by indictment.” “Allegations?” asked the judge.
“Originally they were arrested with the firearms in the Naas area,” said DG Foran.
“Are those the lads in the forest?” asked the judge, and the detective said they were.
“They have adhered to all (bail) conditions and are signing on every Wednesday,” he said, adding that the books of evidence were expected “in six weeks”.
He then itemised the weaponry seized. The weapons at Ponsonby Bridge were listed as: an M1911 45-calibre automatic pistol and ammunition; a G3 Heckler and Koch 7.62mm; Tokarev and Makarov pistols with magazines; 23 rounds of various calibre rifle rounds; four rounds of pistol ammo; ammo for a .308 Winchester; and 69 various shotgun cartridges.
The explosives were noted as potassium nitrate sulphur charcoal, and ammonium potassium percurate at the home address of Mr Fitzgerald, along with most of the ammunition and the Tokarev and Makarov pistols.
“I thought a Makarov was an Italian pasta dish,” joked the judge, before remanding all three on continuing bail until 7 May.
No explanation for the actions was given in court at this time.
