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	Ahascragh Priest Steps down after Prime Time By Declan Rooney Galway Independent June 1, 2011 http://www.galwayindependent.com/local-news/local-news/ahascragh-priest-steps-down-after-prime-time-20110601/ [A Mission to Prey] A parish priest in the Galway village of Ahascragh has stepped down from his position following Prime Time accusations that he fathered a child in Kenya. The TV show's investigation, which were aired last week, accused Fr Kevin Reynolds of raping a girl while he worked as a missionary in Kenya and fathering a daughter, who is now 29-years-old. Ahascragh is in the diocese of Elphin and Bishop of Elphin, Christopher Jones, has notified Gardaí and the Health Service Executive as a precautionary measure. Fr Liam Devine, who is Vicar Forane for the area, has stepped in to replace Fr Reynolds in the parish. Fr Reynolds, who has been working in the parish since his return from Kenya in 2004, is accused of raping the Kenyan girl named Veneranda. He has denied the allegations. A statement released on the Elphin diocese website confirmed that the Mill Hill Missionary Society, of which Fr Reynolds is a member, will lead the church's investigations into the accusations. It said: "The society will now have the responsibility of undertaking an investigation in relation to the allegations, which were broadcast last night on RTE. Fr Reynolds' agreement to stand aside accords with Church procedures in a matter of this nature. "Bishop Jones realises that parishioners will have been dismayed to learn of these allegations. It is important that such investigations, as will now be required, are carried out without unnecessary delay," concluded the statement.
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