Statement by Bishop Leo O'Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore, regarding Fr Michael Molloy, 24 November 2009 Fr Michael Molloy, a priest of the diocese of Kilmore, has pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual abuse of a minor and has been sentenced under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 in Cavan Circuit Court.
I wish to express my profound sorrow and regret to the victim of this abuse, and to the family of the victim, for the pain and trauma inflicted on them by Fr Molloy. Such abuse was a terrible betrayal of trust by him and I condemn it unreservedly.
These past two years have been an extremely difficult and painful time for the victim and for the family of the victim. I want to assure them that they are and have been in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
I was first made aware of the allegation against Fr Molloy by An Garda Síochána after they had arrested him on 14 September 2007.
This was the first complaint of any kind received against Fr Molloy during his years of priestly ministry.
The Gardaí and the HSE have been advised of all previous appointments held by him.
In accordance with guidelines for safeguarding childeren as publised by both the State and the Church, Fr Molloy immediately agreed to stand aside from his ministry pending the outcome of the investigation.
I have referred his case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome and I now intend to initiate a canonical process in relation to Fr Molloy.
The fact that this case of abuse occurred as recently as 2006 is a stark reminder that the diocese must be ever vigilant in its efforts to safeguard children.
I wish to reassure everyone in the Diocese of Kilmore that the highest possible standards exist in our parishes to safeguard children and young people.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Children Committee has drawn up policies and procedures which have been implemented in all 36 parishes of the diocese by the Safeguarding Children Representatives in those parishes.
I want to repeat my comments of 4 June last at the launch of the new Safeguarding Children Handbook for the Diocese of Kilmore "that my pastoral priority is the provision of a safe environment for children and young people, to ensure their safety and enable their full participation in the life of the Church".
Finally, I encourage anyone with concerns regarding the safety of children in the Diocese of Kilmore to contact, without delay, the diocese, the Gardaí or the Health Service Executive.
Please see relevant contact details below:
Fr Anthony Fagan 049 85 47307
An Garda Síochána Cavan/Monaghan Tel: 049 43 68800 / 047 77200
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