Accused priest had access to primary schools

A priest who had access to all primary schools in the Kerry diocese, as diocesan inspector, in the 1950s and 60s has 25 allegations of abuse levelled against him, with more expected.

The priest, who had contact with thousands of children in their classrooms, died more than 30 years ago and it was a decade later before a complaint was made.

In 2009, an independent consultant produced a review for the diocese and recommended outreach work for the priest’s victims known at the time. He also recommended the case be reviewed.