Former Limerick-based teacher-turned-priest faces historic sex abuse allegations

A TEACHER-turned-priest is being investigated by An Garda Siochana following historic sex abuse allegations being made against him from his time teaching in Limerick, the Leader has learned.

The alleged offences date back some 40 years when he was working in a school in the city.

The now elderly man left teaching for the priesthood and served up to recently in a busy parish in the archdiocese of Dublin.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí in Limerick have received a number of complaints of historical abuse by a male, alleged to have occurred in the 1970s and 1980s.”

As this is an ongoing investigation, the spokesperson said An Garda Síochána is not providing any further comment.

READ ALSO: Discount chain makes ‘Lidl’ bid to build coffee kiosks outside Limerick stores

The Limerick Leader / Limerick Live also contacted the Archdiocese of Dublin in relation to these historic sex abuse allegations.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Dublin confirmed a priest had voluntarily stepped aside from priestly ministry earlier this year.

“Anyone who wishes to make a complaint or allegation of abuse of a child is invited to do so by contacting the diocesan Child Safeguarding and Protection Service on 01 8360314.

The archdiocese is committed to the protection of children and to supporting those who have been harmed by abuse,” said the spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Dublin.