Sex attack case – Misplaced loyalty

OUR Catholic bishops have endured considerable criticism so it is entirely appropriate that when one does something commendable it should be recognised.

The Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy is to be congratulated for dissociating himself from Fr Seán Sheehy, the priest who shook hands with a sex offender awaiting sentencing in court.

Fr Sheehy yesterday recognised the hurt he inflicted on the woman attacked by Danny Foley, and her friends and family, and withdrew from parish work.

It is much easier to criticise a priest than it once was but Fr Sheehy is not the only person whose behaviour in this sorry affair is less than admirable.

The 50 others who publicly supported Foley should ask themselves what they might have felt if it had been their sister or daughter who had been so attacked.

There is truly an ugly, unchristian side to the Irish character.