Casey colleague says allegations are unclear

A colleague of Dr Eamon Casey has said details of the allegation which led to him stepping down from clerical duties in England last week are still unclear.

Kieron Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, told RTE radio today that a child protection officer had informed him of an allegation made in Ireland against the former Bishop of Galway, but that Dr Casey had yet to be contacted by the authorities.

“My information from him is that the police have not approached him. There has been no formal allegation made to him,” he said. After the claim, Fr Casey had withdrawn from ministry and gone to live in private accommodation.

“He has been very cooperative. In light of what appears to be an allegation he has withdrawn,” he said.

Bishop Conry said he would “wait and see” what develops, and that he did not feel it was appropriate to make further inquiries until a formal allegation was presented by the authorities. After speaking to Dr Casey some days ago, Mr Conry did not believe he had any plans to return to Ireland.

When questioned as to whether the developments had surprised him, Mr Conry replied that he was “sorry” about them. “I am really sorry it has happened, or something has happened. I will just wait and see what develops,” he said. Bishop Conry said there would be “great sorrow and disappointment” in Father Casey’s parish.

“He is very popular in the parish. Most of his work was in the hospital. He was very much appreciated there. A very good worker with the sick. I would imagine there there is great sorrow and disappointment,” he said.