Cloyne may face legal action over apology

A MAN who reported being “serially molested” by a brother in the Diocese of Cloyne will consider legal action if the Church fails to pay him €30,000 in medical expenses and apologise for the mishandling of his case within two weeks.

The alleged victim met with Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe and the Cloyne diocese’s child protection delegate, Bill Bermingham, on Christmas Eve, describing both as “helpful”. He was also contacted by Bishop of Cloyne John Magee after he wrote to him in late October.

On numerous occasions over the past 20 years, the alleged victim was actively discouraged by a senior Cloyne priest, a friend of his, from making a formal complaint to gardaí, the bishop and the health authorities. He had informed him of the alleged abuse by a teaching brother that took place at a north Cork school about 50 years ago.