Man Now Aged 55 Says He Was Caned on the Feet by Sisters and Sexually Abused by Older Boys

By Michael Mchugh
Belfast Telegraph
January 13, 2014

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/nuns-battered-boys-stupid-in-derry-childrens-home-victim-tells-child-abuse-inquiry-29912351.html

Public hearings into allegations of historical child abuse in church and state-run homes in Northern Ireland begin. Pictured John Heaney (centre). Pic Jonathan Porter

Nuns used to batter boys stupid during daily abuse at a children's home in Londonderry, one victim has claimed.

John Heaney, 55, was caned on the feet by members of the order of the Sisters of Nazareth at St Joseph's in Termonbacca and said he suffered sexual abuse from older boys.

"Nuns were very good at raising their hands. All the Termonbacca boys have a flat spot on the back of their heads because they were battered stupid," he said.

Termonbacca will be one of the first residential homes examined, with evidence from witnesses due to begin in coming weeks. Mr Heaney made his comments as he prepared to attend Sir Anthony's hearings.

With detectives expected to be watching the public hearings closely, Mr Heaney said he hoped the perpetrators would ultimately face justice.

Victims packed the courthouse at Banbridge where the hearings are being held, pain still etched across some of their faces.

Many have lobbied for a public inquiry for years, spurred on by the holding of similar probes in the Irish Republic.

Margaret McGuckin has campaigned for justice for victims for years.

"We cried out for someone to come and help, to come to our aid when nobody answered our cries. People are answering us today, our cries are finally being heard.

"This is a special day for us today but for too many people it is too late and so many people have passed away and taken their secrets to the grave with them."

300 victims

The largest ever inquiry into the abuse of children at residential homes in the UK will examine the soul of society, a lawyer has said.

Decades of physical, sexual and emotional suffering were inflicted upon the most vulnerable by the church, the state and voluntary organisations, it was alleged today.

More than 300 victims are set to testify to the investigation, which is expected to last 18 months.