The Prior of Lough Derg has issued an apology following the imprisonment of former employee Tomas Gallagher who sexually assaulted five women at the pilgrimage site.
Gallagher, a former maintenance man at the site, was jailed for four years for sexually assaulting five women in 2022.
Monsignor La Flynn said he wished to express his deep sorrow that such abuse took place at the pilgrimage site.
“I apologise to those victims unreservedly for the hurt they have suffered. I assure them of our support at this time.
"During 2022, both myself as Prior and the then Operations Manager at Lough Derg were made aware of allegations of sexual assault by a staff member at that time.
“In accordance with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, the allegations were immediately reported to An Garda Siochána for investigation.
"The member of staff was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. He since voluntarily resigned his employment.”
Monisgnor Flynn added the Diocese of Clogher, of which Lough Derg is a constituent part, and the Management of Lough Derg, are fully committed to adhering to the highest standards, practices, policies and procedures for safeguarding and, also, to cooperating with the statutory authorities in all such cases.
"If anyone else has a concern or complaint, either now or from the past, I encourage them to come forward and contact both the diocese and the statutory authorities,” concluded Monsignor Flynn.