Trial of prominent republican hears of €370,000 in cattle trading

The trial of Thomas Murphy at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin heard evidence regarding substantial cattle trading activity spanning several years. Prosecution witnesses, employed at livestock marts in counties Meath, Cavan, and Roscommon, provided documentation to gardaí detailing transactions in the name of a man named Thomas Murphy with an address at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth. Evidence indicated cattle purchases totalling approximately €370,000 between 1999 and 2005, transacted through Carnaross Mart, Ballyjamesduff Cattle Mart, and Elphin Co-op Livestock Mart. The prosecution alleges that despite conducting significant dealings in cattle and land, and receiving farming grants, Mr Murphy failed to make returns to revenue. Mr Murphy, aged 66, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges relating to failure to furnish income returns for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The trial, conducted by the Criminal Assets Bureau, continues before a three-judge bench.