‘The School Principal Was Told About The Abuse In 1979, But Did Not Accept The Allegations Were True’

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From top: Terenure College; John McClean

This afternoon.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Details of the abuse of children at Terenure College over a period of 27 years were outlined the ahead of the sentencing of rugby coach John McClean.

Via RTÉ News:

The 76-year-old is a former rugby coach and English teacher. He was also involved in fitting costumes on boys for school plays.

He abused nine victims in an office, eight during preparation for the school plays, three during sporting activities and three in the classroom.

The court also heard today that a school principal had been told about the abuse in 1979, but did not accept the allegations were true.

The details of what McClean did to six of the boys has so far been outlined in court.

The court heard they were 12, 13, 14 and 15 years of age at the time.

In their victim impact statements, the boys, who are now men in their 50s, spoke of how the abuse damaged their lives.

One said he can never forget it, while another spoke of subsequent failures in relationships with women.

Some told how they left the school early, did not complete State examinations and were deprived of an education in life.

Former Terenure College teacher abused boys in office, class, during sport and before plays (RTÉ)

Previously: Guilty

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12 thoughts on “‘The School Principal Was Told About The Abuse In 1979, But Did Not Accept The Allegations Were True’

  1. Daisy Chainsaw

    I hope the good men who survived this now get to sue the school due to the principal’s part in this. Any abuse that happened after that report is on his head.

  2. Frank

    I went to Terenure College from the late 70’s to mid 80’s and it was common knowledge that John McClean was dodgy everybody knew. He also brought sporting glory to the school so they weren’t about to upset that applecart. I hope the victims sue the school they’ve really no-one to blame but themselves.

    1. millie bobby brownie

      Seems to be a common theme in schools where sports is prioritised. My own secondary school had a teacher who was known to be an awful bullying hoor of a man, who had driven more than one student from the school with his behaviour, but he was an excellent rugby coach and the rugby team did very well under his direction, and as a result of this he was never taken to task for his carry on.

        1. johnny

          -few JCT’s and then handful SCT’s but ‘nure did not dominate schools rugby under McClean,was he a past pupil as some have suggested ?

          1. Frank

            They didn’t dominate that’s true but the Doc’s reputation was such that he was able to go on to that plumb job in UCD. I don’t think he was a past pupil no.

          1. J Dizzle

            I’m only pointing out that ‘she who shall not be named’ can actually do some actual journalism and not just make stuff up and say mental stuff. you’re right though, this should be about the victims.

            great that you’ve become aware of class Johnny.

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