Former bomber looks to start new life by entering priesthood

AN IRA bomber given 20 life sentences for masterminding a bombing campaign in Britain, is studying to become a priest.

Shane Paul O’Doherty, who spent five years as an active IRA member, will have to receive special dispensation from the Pope before he is ordained - because, among other activities, he once sent a bomb in a bible to a Bishop.

O’Doherty (50), who has spoken extensively, about his life as a teenage IRA bomber and his long years questioning that life, has taken a vow of silence since entering Maynooth.