Sex abuse case priest: I'm sorry for my mistake

A priest at the centre of sex abuse allegations in the North today apologised to his parishioners.

Father Andrew McCloskey, curate at St Patrick’s Church in Dungiven, told worshippers at Mass that he made a mistake for which he had paid dearly.

It had been revealed that last October he paid a five-figure out-of-court settlement to a man who made a complaint against him.

The alleged incident happened at a parochial house in the Derry Diocese in 1992.

The alleged victim, who was 18 at the time, claimed that Fr McCloskey made sexual advances towards him after he visited the parochial house for counselling on sex abuse.

A civil action was begun by the man two years ago and was settled out of court last October with no admission of liability by the priest.

In a statement read in church, Fr McCloskey told mass-goers that he had a drink problem at the time but had since received help for his addiction. He is asking the Bishop of Derry Dr Seamus Hegarty for leave.

“I had a very serious addiction to alcohol with all that brings in terms of blackouts, illogical thinking, mood swings and so on. During that time I made a mistake for which I have paid dearly,” he said.

“You will have read in the newspapers and heard on the radio of a priest who was in trouble. Sadly, I am that priest. Twelve years ago I received lengthy treatment for my alcoholism and thank God since 1992 I have not taken an alcoholic drink.”

Fr McCloskey, who has been in Dungiven for the past 12 years, said that with the help of others he had come to terms with his alcoholism and had been able to help others with similar problems.

“I have now come to the decision because of these past few days that I must take time out to reflect on my life and so I will be asking the bishop for a leave of absence.

On Friday, Bishop Hegarty confirmed he was aware of the allegations made against the priest and had allowed him to continue to work in the Derry diocese.

“I considered the matter thoroughly with my legal and other advisers and, taking fully into account all the circumstances and the priest’s character, I decided that he could continue in parish ministry and in wider diocesan activities in those which he has particular expertise.”

Dr Hegarty said the diocese was not a party to the agreement and did not make a contribution to the out of court settlement.

“The issue concerned two adults who were fully represented. It was settled without court proceedings between the priest and the adult through their legal representatives having regard to all the circumstances.”

The SDLP Deputy Major of Limavady Michael Coyle, who attended the Mass, said it was brave of Fr McCloskey to make the statement in front of parishioners.

“From what I can tell, most of the parishioners were supportive. He did allude to the fact that he had a drink problem quite a few years ago, which was quite well-known.

“He said people would be aware of newspaper articles over the last week about a priest. He said he was that priest and said his alcoholism was very bad. He said he had made many mistakes and apologised to us and the parish priest Fr Kevin McKenna.”