Ex-priest jailed for attacks on sister and brother

A former priest who attempted to rape a young girl and sexually assaulted her brother in west Cork more than 30 years ago has been given an eight-year sentence.

John Calnan, aged 73, of The Presbytery, 35 Paul Street, Cork, pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of the girl between Jan 1, 1980 and Apr 30, 1980, in West Cork. She was seven at the time.

He also admitted three counts of sexually assaulting the girl between Oct 25, 1976 and Oct 24, 1979.