Three men have appeared in court charged with membership of the IRA.

The men were charged at a sitting of the Special Criminal Court this morning.

50-year-old Sean Walsh of St John’s Well in Fairhill, Co. Cork and 36-year-old Joseph Walsh of Glengarrif Road, Fairhill, Co. Cork were both charged, with membership of an unlawful organisation, before the three-judge court this morning.

Michael Gilmartin, aged 46, of Chestnut Drive, Cluin Ard, Newtown, Cobh, Co. Cork, was charged with membership of the IRA.

Mr Gilmartin was also charged with possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a sawn-off shotgun and a quantity of ammunition

The three men were remanded in custody to appear again before the Special Criminal Court on Wednesday, December 21.