RELATIVES of murdered terror boss Alan Ryan took part in a demo calling for the release from prison of his brother. Also in this section
Some 30 protesters outside the GPO in Dublin demanded the release of Vincent Ryan (22) and Daragh Evans (23), who are accused of being members of an illegal organisation styling itself the Real IRA.
Among those in the crowd was another of Alan Ryan's brothers and his sister.
Dermot Ryan was closely monitored by gardai at the dissident-led protest on Saturday.
Vincent Ryan and Daragh Evans were arrested following the controversial paramilitary display at Alan Ryan's funeral last September.
They were subsequently charged with firearm offensives in connection with the gardai investigation into the murder of Michael 'Micka' Kelly in Clongriffin.
Both men are due to stand trial at the Special Criminal Court for the firearm offences on October 13, with a two-week trial for alleged IRA membership scheduled to take place immediately afterwards. Dermot Ryan was accompanied by his sister Niamh as he held up placards calling for the release of the 'Dublin 2'.
Last week he spoke at a dissident republican rally in Derry which saw youths throw bottles and stones at police.
Saturday's event was organised by the Dublin 32 County Sovereign Movement (CSM), the political wing of the Real IRA. Detectives kept a close eye on the event in the expectation that it would attract associates of murdered Real IRA boss Ryan.
"Events like these are closely monitored. We have to keep a close eye," said a source.
Meanwhile, gardai are becoming concerned about a major drive by the Dublin CSM to boost membership.
A number of advertisements have been placed online urging people to sign up.
"The last thing this city needs is a resurgence in dissident activity given the efforts taken by gardai to take down the main players," a source explained.
