Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Kenneally inquiry to publish report 'as soon as reasonably possible'

The report of the Commission of Investigation into how abuse allegations against basketball coach Bill Kenneally were handled, will be completed "as soon as reasonably possible", the commission has said in a statement.

Kenneally is serving almost 19 years in prison for the serious sexual abuse of 15 young boys between 1979 and 1990 following two criminal prosecutions.

Gardaí believe at least 14 other boys were abused by Kenneally and the case has been described by the commission's chair as one of the most serious cases of paedophilia uncovered in Ireland.

The criminal cases heard that Kenneally met the boys often through basketball coaching, and groomed them by plying them with drink, money and other gifts, while subjecting them to very serious sexual abuse.

The Commission of Investigation was set up in 2018 under Mr Justice Barry Hickson, and subsequently, Mr Justice Michael White, to examine how State authorities, the Catholic clergy, politicians, sporting organisations and others dealt with allegations of sexual abuse made by young teenage boys against Kenneally from the 1980s onwards.

The commission has heard over 5,000 pages of testimony during ten separate modules. There have been 31 separate books of documents disclosed.

Kenneally himself gave evidence in public, in March last year, in testimony that shocked those present, both in its content and in the manner in which he presented it.

In a statement this morning, the commission said it concluded its hearings and disclosure last Thursday when it received final oral submissions from the parties. It said it had received submissions on behalf of 11 victims, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, the HSE and Basketball Ireland.

The commission said there was very considerable work to be undertaken in reviewing the evidence and disclosure and writing the report. And it said Mr Justice White would endeavour to have it completed as soon as reasonably possible.

When the judge has completed the draft report, he must send relevant parts to any person who is identified or identifiable. Any such person who believes the commission has not observed fair procedures can seek changes or go to the High Court to seek such changes.

It is likely in those circumstances that it will be some time before the report is completed and published.

Bill Kenneally was part of what was once a powerful political dynasty in the southeast. His grandfather, Willie Kenneally, uncle, Billie Kenneally and cousin Brendan Kenneally were all Fianna Fáil TDs for Waterford. An uncle, Monsignor John Shine, was a significant figure in the Catholic church in Waterford.

Senior gardai spoke to Bill Kenneally in 1987 about allegations he had indecently assaulted a 14-year-old boy. One of his victims said he had told gardaí about Kenneally’s activities two years before that.

Kenneally was sent, after the 1987 meeting, to speak to his uncle, Monsignor Shine, who arranged for him to go to a doctor a number of times. But it was not until 2012 that his house was searched by gardaí. He was arrested the following year.

His victims campaigned for this commission, some waiving their right to anonymity. They want to know if collusion and his family’s political connections protected Bill Kenneally from being prosecuted much earlier.

Bill Kenneally's cousin, Brendan Kenneally, who was a Fianna Fáil TD and Senator between 1989 and 2011 also gave evidence to the commission. He denied that he had tried to keep the abuse quiet or sweep it under the carpet.