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	Supporters Join Priest on Long Walk of Atonement By Ralph Riegel Irish Independent December 31, 2008 http://www.independent.ie/national-news/supporters-join-priest-on-long-walk-of-atonement-1588556.html A dozen people yesterday joined a priest on his protest march over the Catholic church's handling of child abuse claims. Fr Michael Mernagh set off alone on Monday morning from St Colman's Cathedral in Cobh, Co Cork, to the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin. It is hoped that dozens more will now join his 'walk of atonement' before the group reaches the capital. Fr Mernagh reached Youghal on the Cork-Waterford border on Monday evening, and yesterday set out across Waterford in cold but dry weather. However, he was delighted by the decision of almost a dozen people to join his walk as an act of Christian solidarity. The supporters included a husband and wife from Castletownroche in north Cork, who were moved by the courage of the Augustinian priest. Another walker, a retired businessman, felt the issue now had to be fully highlighted. The Bishop of Cloyne, Dr John Magee - in two statements on the child protection row - has so far failed to give any indication of being willing to consider his position. Failings Dr Magee - a secretary to three Pontiffs - personally apologised to victims over the diocesan failings. On Christmas Eve, he said he took full responsibility for the criticisms contained within the report by Church watchdog body, the National Board for the Safeguarding of Children (NBSC). The next major development in the controversy will be the publication in early January of a Health Service Executive (HSE) report on the child abuse allegations. Children's Minister Barry Andrews will order the publication of the HSE report next month having taken legal advice. That report is expected to increase the pressure on Dr Magee, the Diocese of Cloyne and the Catholic Church. Last night, Fr Mernagh said he was delighted that people had acted on his invitation to support his nine-day walk of atonement. "This isn't just about Cloyne. It is about the entire Church and making sure that these kind of things are never, ever allowed happen again," he said. Fr Mernagh said he found the first two days quite uplifting. He said he was delighted that ordinary people had responded to his gesture of atonement and joined the trek.
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