THE results of a review of practice in the Diocese of Killaloe, which was undertaken by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, has been published.
Bishop Kieran O’Reilly, Bishop of Killaloe and Cleo Yates, Director of Safeguarding, at the Diocese of Killaloe report launch. Photograph by Arthur Ellis.
Safeguarding practices for the diocese were assessed and it found that 44 of 48 criteria have been fully met, with the remaining four being partially met at the time of the audit.
The report shows that allegations have been made against 19 Diocesan priests since 1975, six of whom are still alive. Of the six who are alive, two are in ministry, three are out of ministry but still members of the Diocese and one has retired.
One priest in the Diocese has been convicted of having committed an offence or offences against a child or young person in the Diocese sinche 1975.
Speaking at the launch of the review this afternoon Bishop Kieran O’Reilly said; “The diocese of Killaloe extends our heartfelt apologies to all those who suffered abuse at the hands of a small number of priests of Killaloe. I would like to assure parents and children that the diocese is committed to ensuring that best practices are in place and operational at all times to safeguard children and listen to their voices.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.