Priest Cleared of Abuse Allegation

Irish Times
April 2, 2012

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0402/1224314231485.html

A TIPPERARY parish priest returned to his ministry on Saturday night with an unblemished character after an abuse allegation against him was stood down.

Fr Tadhg Furlong (62) will now return to his post as parish priest of Cappawhite, Co Tipperary.

Speaking at Mass on Saturday evening, the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Dermot Clifford said Fr Furlong "has endured the prolonged ordeal of his standing aside with outstanding courage and honour. His approach has been fully in keeping with the dedication which he has shown throughout his priestly life to selfless service of church and community."

A thorough investigation of the complaint has been completed and its results have been examined by the advisory board established by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, a statement from the archdiocese said. Archbishop Clifford said in accordance with the recommendation, "I am returning Fr Tadhg to full priestly ministry".