Two priests who were stood down from their parishes because of
allegations of impropriety are reported to have been exonerated
following investigations.
The priests, in Kildare and Down, have been cleared of allegations
against them and the authorities in both jurisdictions have found they
have no case to answer.
Fr. Phillip Corcoran of the parish of St. Charles Borromeo in Confey,
Leixlip, stepped aside last May and parishioners were told an inquiry
into allegations of a sexual nature was under way.
It was understood,
though not confirmed, that the complaint related to a matter that took
place 22 years previously.
Sources in the parish were reported last week as saying that the
Director of Public
Prosecution has ruled that Fr. Corcoran has no case
to answer in relation to the allegation.
Parishioners are now awaiting
formal news regarding Fr Corcoran’s position.
Meanwhile, Fr Sean Cahill, who is based at St Malachy's Church in
Castlewellan, Co. Down, and who was also accused of sexual abuse, is not
to face any charges either.
Parishioners, who had been dubious about the allegations, were said to be delighted when told the news at Mass.
After police confirmed that no prosecution has been directed against
Fr Cahill, the Down and Connor diocese said no further action was being
contemplated. Fr Cahill had vehemently denied any wrongdoing and the
impropriety alleged was said to date back to the 1970s.
A diocesan spokesperson said last week that the news brought an end
to a "particularly difficult process for both Fr Sean Cahill and the
diocese.”
"Fr Cahill wishes to express his thanks to all those who with their
prayers, friendship and support. The normal review under the Church's
safeguarding policy and procedures and its own internal process will now
resume and a further statement will be made in due course."
Fr Cahill had stood down temporarily from his ministry as the police
investigation took place but denied the allegation.
He described the
allegation as “a total and utter fabrication, which is untrue and
false.”
Fr Cahill said he “never ever” in 47 years as a priest abused a child or person in any way.