Fr. Eugene Boland to resume ministry

Derry Journal
March 11, 2014

http://www.derryjournal.com/news/local-news/fr-eugene-boland-to-resume-ministry-1-5927784

A local priest acquitted two years ago of sexual assault charges against a teenage girl is to return to ministry in the Derry diocese.

Fr Eugene Boland, a parish priest in Cappagh, County Tyrone, stepped aside four years ago while the allegations were investigated.

The administrator of the diocese said both the legal proceedings and Church processes have now been completed.

Fr Boland will resume his duties during a Mass in his parish this Saturday night.

Fr Francis Bradley, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Derry, said: “I am glad the civil and canonical processes in respect of Fr Eugene Boland have drawn to a close.

“Fr Eugene can now resume the public exercise of the priestly ministry.

“These processes have demanded time and effort on the part of many people. They have been difficult for all involved.”.

The administrator added: “I warmly welcome Fr Eugene’s return to Cappagh.”

Fr Eugene Boland, of Killyclogher Road in Omagh, was acquitted of all five charges against him in June 2012 following an eight-day trial at Derry Crown Court.

Moville-born Fr Boland, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1970, has previously served in the Creggan, Strabane, Newbuildings and Galliagh parishes.