Derry Court: Man charged with encouraging support for IRA at Easter dissident republican parade

One of the men charged with the rioting on the night journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with encouraging support for the IRA.

Patrick Gallagher (31) of Raftery Close in Derry was charged with three counts of inviting support for the IRA, arranging a meeting in support of that organisation and aiding and abetting support on April 10 this year. 

The court heard that a dissident republican parade took place in the Creggan area of Derry on Easter Monday and the defendant was present. 

The court heard that up to 30 petrol bombs were thrown at police before the parade. 

A police officer said that Gallagher could be seen walking beside the parade which was led by a colour party dressed in paramilitary style uniforms. 

The court heard that police believed enents including a roll of honour of republican dead were organised by Gallagher who was said to have invited a wreath to be laid on behalf 'of the Derry Brigade of the IRA.' 

The police officer said following the meeting steps were taken to shield the colour party using umbrellas and the uniforms were then burnt. 

The court heard that on the following day four pipe bombs were found in the cemetery. 

Text messages were also found linking Gallagher to another man charged in connection with the same march. 

The court heard that this man was alleged to have said in a speech 'it is not enough to shout up the IRA join the IRA' and Gallagher was said to have applauded this. 

When interviewed Gallagher made a prepared statement denying any support for a proscribed organisation and said his role was to try and get the colour party dispersed peacefully. 

Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey said these commemorations have been occurring since the 1970s.

A prosecution barrister said that Gallagher was 'significantly involved in this matter'. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said 'this is 2023 and it is about time this crowd and the other crowd put all this behind us.' 

The judge said that this country is 'blighted' by sectarian bigotry on both sides. 

He said it was clear Gallagher had 'played a role in this' but added he could be managed on bail. 

Gallagher was released on bail on condition he does not enter Creggan nor attend any March or protest or have any contact with his co-accused. 

Gallagher will appear again on July 6.