Abusive priest handed jail sentence

A 78-year-old priest who sexually abused several girls over a 25-year period has been given a four-year sentence by Judge Patrick McCartan who suspended all but 18 months that he must serve.

Father Patrick McDonagh (aged 78), of Grove Road, Newbury, Berkshire, England pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to eight counts of sexual and indecent assault on four girls in Dublin, Limerick and Roscommon between 1965 and 1990.