It has come to our attention that the 'Irish Catholic' 'newspaper' has been sniffing around a long known and quietly dealt with story in relation to the abuse of a young man.In the 1980's, it is understood that 3 priests (1 attached to Killaloe Diocese with other 2 attached to neighbouring dioceses) who would have studied and ordained together, were effectively operating a 'pass-the-teenage-male' ring involving a teenager believed to have been 18 years of age (if not slightly younger) at the time.
What must be remembered is that in relation to this time, the laws of sexual consent were different in relation to age and have changed in recent times so it may indeed be classed as consensual.
However, if it is a matter whereby this then-young male was passed between the 3 priests there may well be grounds to proceed in a legal fashion.
It is understood that the Killaloe Diocesan priest was stood down from pastoral duties once now-retiring Bishop Willie Walsh became aware of the situation and directed the step-down.
One has to consider the reason why the 'Irish Catholic' is deciding to go ahead with this 'story' and only a matter of 3 weeks to go before the installation of Kieran O'Reilly, SMA as the new bishop of Killaloe.Let it never be said about the 'Irish Catholic' that it has been the most reliable and trustworthy in its reporting and this no doubt will prove to be the case with them in this regard and the timing is indeed most circumspect.
SIC: PVT