News

Archbishop's work praised

The Catholic leader who stepped in to run the troubled Diocese of Cloyne after Bishop John Magee stepped aside has been praised for his work to protect children.

Archbishop Dermot Clifford acted as apostolic administrator for the Co Cork diocese after Newry-born Bishop Magee withdrew in 2009 following criticism of his handling of child abuse allegations.

An NBSCCC review found that in his own Diocese of Cashel and Emly, Dr Clifford "promptly removed priests from public ministry, usually within days of the allegations being brought to his attention".

The watchdog found that he showed a "strong sense of leader-ship" and had a clear focus "on doing the right thing, taking prompt action and ensuring that risk is minimised".

The reviewers also praised Archbishop Clifford as "a man of strong views, determination and a willingness to take advice and act upon that advice".

Records showed that 13 priests in the diocese had been the subject of 19 abuse allegations, including claims of physical abuse.

Gardai were alerted to all 19 allegations but no-one had been convicted of child sexual abuse.

In a statement Archbishop Clifford reiterated his "sincere apologies" to those harmed by clerical child abuse in the diocese.

"What happened to them was an outrageous betrayal of the priests' calling and deserves our complete condemnation," he said.

"Their suffering continues and we once again offer them not only our prayers but assistance in any way we can."

* REPLACED: Dr John Magee

* LEADERSHIP: Dr Dermot Clifford