By Brian McDonald
TWO members of a Galway family were yesterday charged with directing a criminal organisation.
This is the first case of its kind to come before the courts as a result of new anti-gangland legislation that was introduced last year.
Brothers Michael and Eddie O'Loughlin were taken under heavy armed guard to a special sitting of Galway District Court yesterday.
Detective Garda Shaun Durkin gave evidence of arresting and charging Eddie O'Loughlin, 26, of Rockfield Park, Rahoon, Galway at Galway garda station. He had made no reply to the charge.
He is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between February and June of this year.
