Martin McCauley in court over 1982 Lurgan bombing

A 61-year-old man facing charges over the murder of three police officers in an IRA bomb attack near Lurgan in 1982 has appeared in court in Dublin.

Martin McCauley, of Naas, County Kildare, was arrested at the request of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

He was remanded in custody pending an extradition hearing next week.

In a statement released through his law firm, Mr McCauley said he denies the charges and would challenge the extradition proceedings at any future hearing.

The prosecution said the decision to charge him with the murders was made three months ago.

Garda Detective Sergeant Adrian Murray told the court on Thursday he was confident he had identified Mr McCauley as the person named in the warrant.

The investigation into the killings, which began in 2019, found forensic evidence at the bomb detonation site overlooking the road, he said.

Andrew Moriarty, representing Mr McCauley, said his client wished to apply for bail and noted he had previously indicated he was prepared to be interviewed by the PSNI Chief Constable.

Judge Miriam O’Regan remanded him in custody pending an extradition hearing next week.

Sergeant Sean Quinn and Constables Allan McCloy and Paul Hamilton were killed in the Kinnego Embankment explosion in October 1982.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary officers were in an unmarked police car.

It was destroyed by a 1,000-pound land mine detonated by remote control.

The murders were investigated by the Operation Kenova team.

The man responsible, Sir Iain Livingstone, said: “The decision to prosecute more than 40 years after the incident shows the rigour and diligence that Kenova has brought to this investigation and that evidence will now be tested in court.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the three officers who have continued to act with courage and great dignity over the past four decades.”

A PPS spokesperson added: “After careful consideration of all available evidence in a file submitted by Operation Kenova, the PPS has taken the decision to prosecute an individual in relation to the 1982 murders of Sergeant Sean Quinn and Constables Allan McCloy and Paul Hamilton.

“As the discussions are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to make further comments.”