RETIRED F.F. SENATOR REMANDED ON BAIL

A former Co. Monaghan Fianna Fail senator and county councilor appeared along with two other men at a sitting of the District Court in Carrickmacross, yesterday (Wed) on charges of demanding money by menaces.

Francis O’Brien, aged 70, with an address at Corwillan, Latton, Castleblayney, who was a member of Seanad Eireann from 1989 to 2011, and also a member of Monaghan County Council from 1979 to 2003, faced charges along with Co. Cavan man, Michael Marron, aged 56, of Taghart North, Shercock, and Raymond McCaughey, aged 57, a businessman of Drumganus, Broomfield, of attempting to make gain for themselves or others, by making an unwarranted demand for €100,000 from a Mr. Michael Heelan, with menaces, at Tullyvaragh Lower, Carrickmacross, on April 27th last year.

The three accused were separately charged before …