Catholic Church to Make Full Apology to Priest Accused in the Wrong

By Patrick Counihan
Irish Central
October 21, 2012

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Catholic-Church-to-make-full-apology-to-priest-accused-in-the-wrong-175135411.html

The Catholic Church is to make a full apology to a priest wrongly accused of child protection issues.

The Catholic Church is to make a full apology to a priest wrongly accused of child protection issues.

Fr Oliver Brennan was reinstated as a parish priest in Louth on Saturday night after two years under investigation.

The 67-year-old had voluntarily stepped down immediately as parish priest of Blackrock and Haggardstown in August 2010 when the allegation was made.

The Sunday Independent reports that a police investigation could find no evidence against Fr Brennan.

The paper says the "allegations were totally lacking in credibility."

A Catholic Church inquiry into the allegations concluded they were 'fabricated and have not been substantiated'.

Fr Brennan was reinstated at a special Mass in Blackrock, just outside Dundalk.

The paper reports that he is expected to be given a full apology by the church.

Fr Brennan said: "My life has been on hold for two-and-a-half years.

"I'm glad this ordeal has ended. I'm looking forward to restarting my life in active ministry."