Simon O’Donovan Charged With Explosive Substance Possession

The vehicle had been stopped while traveling on the N2 south of Carrickmacross on Wednesday.

Charges Laid Under the Explosive Substances Act

Simon O’Donovan, whose address is listed on Sperrin Road in Dublin 12, faces a specific charge that on July 22, 2026, at St Laurence’s Road, Chapelizod, Dublin 10, he knowingly possessed an explosive substance under circumstances giving rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not hold it for a lawful object. According to court details, the charge falls contrary to section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 as amended by section 15(4) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998.

Det Sgt Shane Noone of the Special Detective Unit stated that he arrested O’Donovan at 17:07 local time on Friday and informed him of the pending charge. When cautioned in the ordinary manner, O’Donovan initially replied, I don’t understand. After the detective explained the matter again, the accused acknowledged he understood.

Arrest Details and Courtroom Proceedings

Det Sgt Noone later met O’Donovan within the precincts of the Special Criminal Court to hand him a copy of the original charge sheet, explaining it in ordinary language. When cautioned a second time, O’Donovan made no reply.

During the court appearance, defence solicitor Darragh Mackin from the Belfast-based firm Phoenix Law noted that O’Donovan had asked him to act as legal counsel. However, Mackin could not accept instructions because he was observing an ongoing strike by criminal legal aid lawyers over fee changes, appearing in court purely out of courtesy.

O’Donovan told Mr Justice Patrick McGrath that he had no representation at all and had asked for the services of the gentleman beside him, gesturing toward Mackin. While the case was adjourned to Monday, O’Donovan pursued a separate bail application before High Court judge Mr Justice Patrick McGrath, and was remanded in custody.

Second Arrest Involves Law Student and Viable Device

The investigation also led to the arrest of 25-year-old law student Isobella Perrie Sullivan of Abbeylands Park in Clane, County Kildare. She appeared before a special sitting of Trim District Court on Friday charged with possession of explosives in connection with the same incident.

A member of the Garda Special Detective Unit testified that Perrie Sullivan was stopped in Carrickmacross last Wednesday while driving a vehicle that authorities subsequently searched. A bag in the back of the car contained a timing power unit, a detonator, and what was believed to be Semtex, a brand of plastic explosive. Members of the Defence Forces’ EOD were called to the scene and confirmed the device was viable.

Perrie Sullivan’s solicitor stated that she had been asked simply to take a bag to Northern Ireland and remained unaware of its contents. She was granted bail with consent to appear at Monaghan District Court on Monday, though she remained in custody ahead of a further bail hearing. Gardaí requested an additional bail condition stipulating that she have no contact with anyone connected to the Saoradh political party or the New IRA.