The Bishop of Raphoe, Alan McGuckian has issued a statement on behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe apologising to the family of a man who was abused by a former priest from the diocese.
It former priest was jailed after admitting sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in Kincasslagh on an unknown date between 1984 and 1985.
The statement from the Diocese confirmed the man was a priest in the diocese from 1976 and was removed from ministry immediately on reception of the complaint in 1998 and that the Gardai and HSE/Tulsa were then informed.
On behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe, Bishop Alan McGuckian said: ‘I am deeply saddened that an innocent child had to endure this devastating abuse. It is all the more serious that it involved abuse by someone in a position of sacred trust and power.
“I apologise sincerely to the man who suffered and to his family. I fully accept that no apology can undo the harm inflicted on an innocent child.
“The Church must continue to ensure that such crimes never happen again and that victims feel their voices are heard and that they are supported.
“If anyone else has a concern or complaint, either now or from the past, I encourage them to come forward and contact both the diocese and the statutory authorities.’
To report a concern, or complaint of child abuse, either current or historical, please contact Margaret Northage the Designated Liaison Person for the diocese on 086 2183 011 or you can go directly to the statutory authorities:
Tusla (Child & Family Agency) – tel: 074 91 23672/23770,
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau – tel: 01 6663430/6663435.
In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 91 67100.
Free Counselling & Support is available through Towards Healing, an independent organisation providing professional support for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Freephone – RoI: 1800 303416,
Freephone – N.Ireland & UK: 0800 0963315,
Freephone – Hearing Impaired: 085 8022 859
