IRELAND
The Irish Times
Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam has asked a priest of the archdiocese, who is at the centre of a rape allegation, to stand down from ministry. The priest has agreed "to stand aside", Dr Neary said yesterday. Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs Correspondent, reports
The archdiocese has been aware for some time of allegations that he raped a young woman 15 years ago and that these were being investigated by gardaí. The priest was not asked to step down until a newspaper report on the matter appeared yesterday.
On Wednesday the archdiocese pointed out the case was "not a child protection matter".
On legal advice the woman who made the allegations could not comment when contacted by The Irish Times yesterday.