BISHOP of Raphoe, Alan McGuckian SJ has issued an apology after a former priest of the diocese today pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of a child three decades ago.
Eamonn Crossan, a former priest of the Diocese of Raphoe, pleaded guilty yesterday at Donegal Circuit Court of the sexual abuse of a minor in the 1990s.
Crossan was a priest in the diocese from 1976, and was removed from ministry in 1998 on reception of an earlier complaint for which he has served time in prison.
On behalf of the Diocese, Bishop McGuckian said he was “deeply saddened and ashamed that an innocent child had to endure such abuse, especially at the hands of a priest who was in a position of sacred trust”.
In a statement issued today, Bishop McGuckian said: “No words of mine can atone for the suffering caused to an innocent person and to his family and yet I want to apologise most sincerely.
“If anyone else has a concern or complaint, either now or from the past, I encourage them to come forward and contact both the diocese and the statutory authorities.”
To report a concern or complaint of child abuse, either current or historical, please contact Margaret Northage the Designated Liaison Person for the Diocese on 0862183011, or go directly to the statutory authorities.
MAIN PIC: Former Donegal priest Eamonn Crossan. (Photo: NW Newspix)
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