The Diocese of Down and Connor is fully committed to protecting children and adults and bringing healing to the victims of abuse.
Since taking up office as the Bishop of Down and Connor last year, I was made aware that the Diocese had recently received an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor against the deceased priest Fr Patrick O’Neill. The Diocese accepts that this new allegation against Fr O’Neill is entirely credible.
In October 2004 a similarly credible allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor had been received by the Diocese of Down and Connor against Fr O’Neill. Following this allegation Fr O’Neill was stepped aside from his ministry in the Parish of Ardkeen, to allow a police investigation to take place.
A statement was drafted by the Diocese at this time but was not issued. This statement would have empowered other victims to come forward. This failure to issue a statement has also compounded the hurt endured by his victims and their families. This omission to issue a public statement is a matter of deep regret by the Diocese.
In December 2005, the Public Prosecution Service directed that there would be no prosecution brought against Fr O’Neill in respect of this earlier allegation. Fr O’Neill remained permanently out of ministry until his death in November 2009.
In addition to the two allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor mentioned above, there were three credible allegations of sexual abuse of adults, manipulation and abuse of power made against Fr O’Neill received by the Diocese in 2003, 2005 and 2006. These allegations relate to the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s when Fr O’Neill was ministering in Down and Connor. All of these allegations, in relation to adults, were reported to the PSNI.
The Diocese is committed in working to support those individuals who have been abused by Fr O’Neill. I would also extend this support to their families who have been so anguished by the abuse of their loved ones.
On behalf of the Diocese of Down and Connor, I extend my deepest sorrow and unreserved apology to all those who have courageously come forward and to each of their families. I fully accept that no apology can undo the damage, hurt, trauma and pain that has been caused to the victims and their families.
I also extend my deepest sorrow and unreserved apology to anyone who suffered abuse at the hands of a priest of the Diocese in whom they had placed their trust. The Diocese encourages anyone who has concerns, suspicions or allegations of abuse to come forward and to report that abuse to the statutory authorities or to the Diocese of Down and Connor Safeguarding Office on 028 9049 2798.
Support for survivors of abuse:
Towards Healing, the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, and Towards Peace constitute the pastoral service response to survivors of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Towards Healing Counselling & Support Services is available to survivors of Church, Religious and Institutional abuse. Towards Healing provides lay independent and fully accredited counsellors to support survivors:
The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland provides advice on all aspects of case management, including notification of allegations and support for the complainant:
Towards Peace is a service offering spiritual support to survivors of physical emotional or sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic Church personnel in Ireland: