Three brothers, who were part of a gang that targeted ATM machines in the northeast, have been jailed.

The gang used stolen vehicles and machinery to steal almost €800,000 in a series of raids in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.

After a number of high-profile ATM robberies in various banks and businesses in the northeast, a specialised Garda Unit was set up to catch the gang behind them.

Just after lunchtime on August 14th, 2019, the unit moved on with a stolen digger, jeep and trailer, just as the arm of the digger was poised to smash a cash machine next to a hotel in Virginia, County Cavan.

Three suspects fled the scene.

Two brothers, Ciarán and Gerard Duffy, from Loughnamore, County Monaghan were caught and both were jailed today for seven years and nine months. A third suspect escaped.

Less than a week later, gardaí stopped a car as it left a yard in County Meath believed to be central to the gang’s operation.

Ciarán and Gerard Duffy’s older brother, Stephen, was in the car with over €100k in stolen cash. The 35-year-old was jailed for four years.

In sentencing the three brothers judge said he had to consider the element of deterrence.

After sentencing the three brothers, the judge commended the gardaí for finally solving the mystery of these thefts.

Another member of the gang is due to be sentenced on Monday.