The Raphoe Diocese has said it hopes that a victim of of sex abuse at the hands of one of their former priests is vindicated by a court decision in the local courts today.
Former Donegal Parish Priest Eamonn Crossan was sentenced to five years on prison after pleading guilty top both sexual abuse and indecent assault of a young boy in the 1980s.
Speaking on behalf of the Raphoe Diocese, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie (main pic), Diocesan Administrator, apologised on behalf of the the diocese.
He said “On behalf of the Diocese and with a deep sense of shame for his actions, I sincerely reiterate my apology to his victim.
“Conscious that the quest for justice is only one part of the journey of healing, nevertheless I hope that the vindication provided by today’s sentencing will in some way bring support and consolation to them, their family and friends.”
And he encouraged anybody who suspect they may have been abused to come forward.
He added “I encourage anyone who may have been abused, or is suspicious of any abuse, to report it to the state authorities, or the diocesan Safeguarding Office immediately.
“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.”
The Raphoe Diocese also encouraged people to contact statutory authorities:
Tusla (Child & Family Agency) – Tel: 074 9102233
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau – Tel: 01 6663430/6663435
In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station – Tel: 074 9167100
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 8022859
