Bishop apologises to alleged abuse victims of deceased priest

Bishop Alan McGuckian of the Diocese of Down and Connor has issued an unreserved apology to alleged victims of Fr Patrick O'Neill, a deceased parish priest facing multiple credible allegations of sexual abuse. Recently, a new allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was reported, alongside earlier claims from 2004 and three allegations involving adults from 2003, 2005, and 2006. Bishop McGuckian acknowledged that a drafted statement addressing the allegations was never issued, which could have encouraged other victims to come forward and has compounded the hurt experienced by victims and their families. Despite the Public Prosecution Service's decision not to prosecute O'Neill in 2005, he remained out of ministry until his death in 2009. The diocese has expressed a commitment to support the victims and their families while working with the police to address the historical abuse allegations. The bishop's acknowledgment underscores the ongoing struggles within the Church to confront its past failures in handling abuse cases.