February 08, 2006

Priest stands down while allegation is investigated

IRELAND
Roscommon Herald

By Maresa Fagan

A priest has this week claimed that there is “no foundation whatsoever” to an allegation made against him of misconduct involving a child.

Boyle native Canon Niall Ahern said that he is standing down “while the truth is being independently and categorically determined”.

It is understood that the allegation, which has been reported to the Gardai and the HSE, involved a child and dates back to the late 1970’s.

On Sunday Canon Ahern, Parish Priest of Ransboro and Strandhill, Sligo bade farewell to his congregation when Bishop Christopher Jones made the shock announcement at St Patrick’s Church, Strandhill, during a special service for children preparing for their First Communion.

Posted by kshaw at February 8, 2006 04:02 PM