Monaghan priest suspended over abuse claims

A priest has been suspended in Co Monaghan after allegations of misconduct against children in Northern Ireland more than 20 …

A priest has been suspended in Co Monaghan after allegations of misconduct against children in Northern Ireland more than 20 years ago.

The Bishop of Clogher, Dr Joseph Duffy, informed churchgoers of the development at the weekend.

In a statement the diocesan office said: "Bishop Duffy told parishioners that as a precautionary measure to protect children he had requested the priest concerned to step down and he had agreed.

"The priest is now on administrative leave, pending the outcome of investigations by the relevant civil authorities to whom the case has been referred."

The bishop said the priest had the right to be presumed innocent and declined to release any further details.

PA

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter