TWO BROTHERS were charged at the weekend with running a criminal organisation in Galway.
Michael and Eddie O’Loughlin were brought under heavy armed guard to a special sitting of Galway District on Saturday night.
They are among the first people to come before the courts as a result of the new anti-gangland legislation introduced last year.
Det Garda Shaun Durkin gave evidence of arresting and charging Eddie O’Loughlin of Rockfield Park, Rahoon, Galway at Galway Garda station on Saturday.
Mr O’Loughlin had made no reply to the charge.
The 26-year old is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in Galway between February and June of this year.
He was remanded in custody to appear again at Harristown District Court next Friday.
Garda Orla Keenan gave evidence of arresting Michael O’Loughlin (29) of Rahylin Glebe, Ballbane, Galway, and charging him yesterday.
He faces the same charge as his brother.
The accused man had made no reply to the charge, the court heard.
He was also remanded in custody to Harristown District Court next Friday.
A third man, Dean Shepherd (22) of Cookes Terrace, Bohermore, Galway, also appeared at the special court sitting in Galway on Saturday.
He is charged with having possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply at Castlegar, Galway, on April 12th last.
Judge Fahy remanded him in custody to appear again at Harristown District Court next Friday.