Fr Eugene Boland steps down from County Tyrone ministry

BBC News
March 30, 2014

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-26809868

Fr Eugene Boland offered his resignation just weeks after resuming his duties

A priest who was acquitted in 2012 of sexual assault charges has resigned from ministry in the Diocese of Derry.

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

He had resumed his duties just two weeks ago, after it was confirmed legal proceedings and church processes had been completed.

The priest's resignation was announced in a statement issued by the Diocese.

Therapy

The statement said Fr Boland had offered his resignation and that a new parish priest would be appointed in "due course".

Fr Boland, of Killyclogher Road in Omagh, was acquitted of indecently assaulting a teenage girl in June 2012 following an eight-day trial at Londonderry Crown Court.

The statement said the Donegal-born priest had been engaged in therapy sessions to prepare for his return to ministry after being cleared of the allegations of abuse.

"Over a protracted period of time, Fr Boland engaged in therapy to help him cope with what he was experiencing and to prepare him properly for a return to public ministry and interaction with the people again," it said.

In March, Fr Boland returned to ministry to resume his duties, but the statement said that on his return it had "all too quickly become clear to Fr Boland and diocesan authorities that he is not ready".

"For that reason, Fr Boland now needs more time for help and guidance in this regard and has been granted leave of absence from ministry."

The statement said the news of Fr Boland's resignation was understandably "very confusing for many people".

However, it added that: "It is hoped that in dealing with this carefully and promptly, the needs of both the Parish of Cappagh and Fr Boland will be addressed appropriately."