THE LISTOWEL parish priest at the centre of controversy this week when he expressed support for a convicted sex offender has resigned from his parish duties, the Diocese of Kerry announced yesterday.
On Thursday Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy distanced himself from remarks by Fr Seán Sheehy at the sentencing hearing of Danny Foley (35), and his subsequent criticism of the jury verdict and sentencing.
Fr Sheehy was one of 50 people who shook hands in court with Foley, who was convicted two weeks ago of the sexual assault of a young woman in a car park in Listowel in June 2008.
In a statement issued on his behalf yesterday, the bishop praised the courage of the victim in the case for coming forward and he apologised to her on behalf of himself and his diocese.
“This morning Fr Seán Sheehy and Bishop Bill Murphy met. In view of recent events Fr Seán Sheehy offered to withdraw from his work in the parish of Castlegregory,” the statement read.
“The Bishop of Kerry accepted his offer which takes effect from today, Friday the 18th of December. Fr Seán Sheehy, having retired from an American diocese, was substituting for the parish priest of Castlegregory.”
Meanwhile, the aunt of the victim has claimed her niece was subjected to continuing intimidation on the streets of Listowel and had to telephone her mother on one occasion to come and collect her.
"It's really scary," the victim's aunt Ann told RTÉ radio's Drivetime."She had three people come up to her . . . people she knew all her life . . . and said things to her. She didn't know what way to turn. She didn't know what to do. She just stood there and cried and called her mother.
“She has basically said she is sorry she that has gone forward with this . . . I said to her never never feel sorry for coming forward for doing what is right to do. You saved somebody else from going through the same thing.
“We’ve gotten justice but people just won’t give us breathing space, give her time out.”
Asked what she would tell Fr Sheehy, she replied: “You’re a disgrace to the Irish people and you’re a disgrace to the people of Listowel,” and he should have “left his collar at home”.
She thanked the people of Ireland and a “small minority in Listowel” for their support.
The intimidation has led to fears that the annual Listowel Writers’ Week may be boycotted. Town councillors were due to meet informally last night to discuss the fears.
The victim is to give a news conference later today.
This is being organised by the Kerry Rape Crisis Centre in Tralee. The victim will retain her anonymity.
Foley was jailed for five years on Wednesday for sexually assaulting the woman.
The court heard a Garda patrol found her semi-conscious and semi-naked, and Foley kneeling over her.
He first claimed to gardaí he “found your wan” and was trying to revive her. He changed his story when he became aware of CCTV footage showing him carrying the woman to the spot where gardaí found them.