A 43-year-old man has appeared in court following an armed raid at a credit union in Portmarnock in Dublin last Friday evening.

Derek Murphy with addresses at Macroom Avenue in Coolock and Springdale Road in Raheny is accused of possession of a handgun at St. Samsons Court in Balgriffin.

Two men armed with a gun held up the credit union in Portmarnock last Friday evening and escaped with a quantity of cash.

The raiders were confronted by a garda on patrol and let off a number of shots before hijacking a car and fleeing the scene.

Two men were subsequently arrested and gardai carried out follow up searches in the Belmayne area.

No comment when charged

This afternoon 43-year-old Derek Murphy appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara.

The court heard when charged yesterday evening with possessing a handgun  he replied "On the advise of my solicitor, I was advised to remain silent".

There was no bail application today but legal aid was granted by the Judge who was told he is in receipt of social welfare.