Jail for priest who assaulted boy, 12

A priest who indecently assaulted a 12-year-old boy at a school in Co Cork in the 1980s has been jailed for a year.

Tadhg O’Dalaigh of Woodview, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Dublin, was convicted by a jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court earlier this year on a charge of indecently assaulting the boy on an unknown date between September 1, 1980, and January 28, 1981, at the Sacred Heart college, also known as Colaiste An Chroi Naofa, Carraig Na Bhfear, Co Cork.

Speaking through Sgt Anna Marie Guiney, the victim said he suffered depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-worth as a result of being sexually abused by O’Dalaigh at the age of 12. He said it impacted on his physical and emotional health and gave rise to suicidal ideation.