The founder of the Real IRA, Michael McKevitt, has died in hospital following a long battle with cancer.
The 71-year-old - one of four men found liable for the Omagh bombing following a landmark civil action by relatives of some of the victims - died at Dublin s Beaumont Hospital yesterday. Family members were at his bedside.
McKevitt was married to Bernadette Sands-McKevitt, a sister of 1981 hunger striker and MP Bobby Sands.
Senior security sources expressed concerns yesterday at his expected military funeral and about how gardaí would ensure mourners accede to Covid guidelines .
One senior source has confirmed there would be a garda presence at McKevitt s funeral given his criminal background and because of adherence to funeral regulations during the pandemic.