Irish law student granted bail after bomb possession charge

A 25-year-old law student has been granted bail after appearing in court charged with possession of explosives following the interception of a viable car bomb near the Irish border earlier this week. Isobella Perrie Sullivan, of Clane, County Kildare, appeared before a special sitting of Trim District Court in County Meath on the evening of Friday, July 24, 2026.

The court heard that Perrie Sullivan's vehicle was stopped by police on the N2 road at Aclint, near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, on Wednesday, July 22. During a search, officers discovered a bag in the rear seat containing what was described as Semtex plastic explosive, a detonator, and a timing power unit. The Irish Defence Forces were called to the scene and declared the device viable, prompting an evacuation of the area. Police described the interception as part of an intelligence-led operation targeting dissident republican activity.

A police officer told the court the suspect appeared to be involved in "IRA operational activity." Perrie Sullivan was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of explosives. A second suspect, a man in his 40s, was also arrested and remained in custody at a police station...