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	Priest Tells Parish He Is Taking Legal Advice on Abuse Book 'Lies' By Anita Guidera Irish Independent April 7, 2008 http://www.independent.ie/national-news/priest-tells-parish-he-is-taking-legal-advice-on-abuse-book-lies-1340386.html A priest named as giving a reference to a paedophile, in a book on child abuse in the Gaeltacht, has told congregations he is seeking legal advice. The book 'Breaking the Silence' by retired Garda Martin Ridge details garda investigations into three paedophiles, and was launched at the weekend in Donegal. It outlines his investigation into the abuse crimes of Fr Eugene Greene, school teacher Denis McGinley and an unnamed third man against young boys in various parishes in west Donegal. The author names the Parish Priest of Derrybeg, Fr Michael Sweeney as one of two priests who gave a character reference to abuser Denis McGinley at his trial in 2002. The other priest, Fr John McGlynn, who was parish priest in McGinley's home of Gortahork, is now deceased. Speaking at Sunday Masses in Meenaweal and Derrybeg, al yesterday, Fr Sweeney welcomed the publication of the book, but said his solicitor was looking into references to him in it. "If it's the truth that's in the book, then there are lies in it about me and the matter is now in the hands of my solicitor," he stated. The book quotes from newspaper reports that Father Sweeney described McGinley in a written reference as "a kind, caring person and a good teacher . . . I could not imagine as kind a person as Denis McGinley hurting anyone." Fr Sweeney was not taking calls last night. Meanwhile the Bishop of Raphoe Philip Boyce apologised to the victims of Fr Greene and McGinley at a Confirmation Mass in Gortahork Church, where Greene was stationed.
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