From top: Bill Kenneally; Solicitor Darragh Mackin and four of Keneally’s victims: Jason Clancy, Colin Power, Paul Walsh and Barry Murphy outside Leinster House
Yesterday.
It was confirmed that the Commission of Investigation into the response to complaints or allegations of child sexual abuse made against former Waterford basketball coach Bill Kenneally has begun its work.
It is being chaired by retired Circuit Court Judge Barry Hickson.
Earlier this month, several victims of Kenneally – who was given a 14-year sentence in 2016 for sexually abusing ten boys aged between 12 and 16 in Waterford between 1984 and 1987 – called on anyone with information to come forward.
They particularly appealed to retired members of An Garda Síochána, the Southern Health Board, former politicians or people who worked with politicians, clergy and lay people within the Catholic Church and business people in the area.
The survivors of Kenneally’s abuse have repeatedly claimed that certain gardai, certain members of the South Eastern Health Board, certain members of the Catholic Church, certain politicians and certain businessmen knew of the abuse and that it continued despite their knowledge of it.
They appealed for people to contact them directly – by calling 085-2403824 or by emailing deisetruth@gmail.com – or to make contact with the commission of investigation.
Since the confirmation that the commission had started its work, Irish Mirror journalist Saoirse McGarrigle, who has been writing about this story for several years, has tweeted that several victims who have waived their anonymity – including Paul Walsh, Colin Power and Jason Clancy – have said:
“To all survivors we will carry you with us in our hearts throughout this inquiry. We hope when this is all over that we can all find inner peace and move on with our lives in the knowledge we have done the right thing.”
The terms of reference of the commission can be read here
Previously: Bill Kenneally on Broadsheet
I don’t know do we appreciate how much people who waive anonymity in these cases are doing for society. They are helping others slough off some of the burden of shame (and it’s so unfair that it is the victim who feels shame), they are helping fix systematic errors that allowed their abuser to operate, they are helping potential victims spot warning signs and also just expose the perps so others can be aware. I really hope it helps them in their recovery and that lack of anonymity doesn’t cause further pain in future.
+1
+1
that pic of him always makes me feel ill….
I know. I was thinking the same. Imagine how it makes his victims feel……
I have such admiration for these men, for their bravery and tenacity in not only getting justice and sending their abuser to prison, but their refusal to let the seedy underbelly of politicians, police and priests away with their collaboration in the abuse.
I hope it brings them the peace they deserve and that they inspire others to come forward and name their abuser.
Very well said Daisy.
+1
+1.
Must be sickening for them knowing there was either collusion or others in authority who just turned a blind eye.
+1 Well said Daisy.