Sexual abuse of children ‘inexcusable’

BISHOP Eamonn Walsh described it as inexcusable that some priests of the diocese sexually abused children.

Speaking before a packed congregation at the Immaculate Conception Church, Rowe Street, in Wexford town, yesterday, Bishop Walsh said he was unable to imagine the mental and emotional trauma of a child or teenager sexually abused by a priest.

Bishop Walsh, speaking before the commencement of Mass to an overflowing congregation, said: "This is not a time for excuses. There are hard lessons to be learned from the findings of the inquiry, for there is much to be done to repair the damage to those who were abused.