UP TO 24 past pupils at a Co Cork boarding school have contacted gardaí with allegations of abuse.In recent weeks, gardaí and the HSE launched separate investigations into allegations of sexual and physical abuse at Coláiste an Chroí Naofa at Carrignavar, after five allegations of historic abuse were made to the Sacred Heart Missionaries the month previous.
The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church began an investigation into the missionaries’ handling of abuse complaints at the start of this month.
Garda sources have told the Irish Examiner that Garda stations across the country have been fielding inquiries from past pupils.
"It would be fair enough to say that up to two dozen calls from past pupils have been taken by gardaí," one senior source said.
Meanwhile, a man who taught at the school between 1973 and 1976, Pat McGrath, has urged victims to talk to the gardaí and the HSE.
"Anyone who has been abused or has something to tell should go to the relevant authorities. They will find a sympathetic ear, support and guidance as to where to go from there.
"I think everyone would like to see a fair trial and fair remuneration for victims, not just in monetary terms, but in psychological terms. This will help them in repairing damage to their lives," he said.
One former principal at the school, Donnacha Mac Cárthaigh, a well known Cork GAA selector, has already been the subject of seven abuse complaints. However, the DPP failed to seek prosecution in any of these cases. The order did settle two civil cases taken against Fr Mac Cárthaigh.
A second teacher and priest at the school, Fr Tadgh Daly, has been convicted of sexual abuse.
Senator Mark Daly exposed the Carrignavar abuse scandal during the summer when he used Seanad privilege to name Fr Mac Cárthaigh.
The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church began an investigation into the missionaries’ handling of abuse complaints at the start of this month.
Garda sources have told the Irish Examiner that Garda stations across the country have been fielding inquiries from past pupils.
"It would be fair enough to say that up to two dozen calls from past pupils have been taken by gardaí," one senior source said.
Meanwhile, a man who taught at the school between 1973 and 1976, Pat McGrath, has urged victims to talk to the gardaí and the HSE.
"Anyone who has been abused or has something to tell should go to the relevant authorities. They will find a sympathetic ear, support and guidance as to where to go from there.
"I think everyone would like to see a fair trial and fair remuneration for victims, not just in monetary terms, but in psychological terms. This will help them in repairing damage to their lives," he said.
One former principal at the school, Donnacha Mac Cárthaigh, a well known Cork GAA selector, has already been the subject of seven abuse complaints. However, the DPP failed to seek prosecution in any of these cases. The order did settle two civil cases taken against Fr Mac Cárthaigh.
A second teacher and priest at the school, Fr Tadgh Daly, has been convicted of sexual abuse.
Senator Mark Daly exposed the Carrignavar abuse scandal during the summer when he used Seanad privilege to name Fr Mac Cárthaigh.