Cardinal Connell – A tenure tinged with controversy

TO say controversy overshadowed the tenure of Cardinal Desmond Connell as Archbishop of Dublin would be an understatement.

No other member of the hierarchy served in more changing or more difficult times, or faced such scathing public criticism during an era dominated by the scandal of clerical sex abuse of children.

Three years after tendering his resignation at the age of 75, in accordance with Canon Law, it has finally been accepted by the Pope.