Audit: 18 Abuse Allegations in a Local Diocese

Kilkenny People
September 12, 2012

http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local/audit-18-abuse-allegations-in-a-local-diocese-1-4250954

THERE were 18 allegations of sexual abuse made against 10 priests in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin in the past 37 years.

THE diocese, which encompasses local towns such as Graignamanagh, Paulstown and Bagenalstown, is one of those recently audited by the National Board for Safeguarding Children.

Two of the priests against whom allegations were made are still alive.

One of those, Father Peter Cribben, was convicted of the abuse of a 14-year-old boy in 2009. The second priest was never charged.

Two other priests were alive when allegations were made, but they have since died. Allegations against the remaining six priests were received only after their deaths.

The audit report makes 12 recommendations, which diocesan administrator Monsignor Byrne said were accepted in full.

The diocese has been without a bishop since the resignation of Bishop James Moriarty in 2010. The diocese has 56 parishes served by 86 priests, and includes most of Carlow and Laois also.