Bishop Criticised in Murphy Report Dies

By Sarah MacDonald
Herald
December 12, 2015

http://www.herald.ie/news/bishop-criticised-in-murphy-report-dies-34280822.html

One of the bishops most strongly criticised in the Murphy Report over his handling of allegations of clerical sexual abuse in the archdiocese of Dublin has died.

0.5.08 NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO on saturday evening (10.5.08) a liturgical reception took place in the pro-cathedral dublin, to welcome the new apostolic nuncio archbishop giuseppe leanza. the reception was attended by members of the government, diplomatic corps and representatives of christian churches. pic shows the new apostolic nuncio archbishop leanza kissing a cross, held by bishop dermot o' mahony, before he enters the pro-cathedral. pic john mc elroy no repro fee.

In a statement, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin expressed his sympathy and said the priests of Dublin were "saddened" by the news of his passing as he held, over many years, several roles of leadership and responsibility.

Fraught

However, the relationship between Archbishop Martin and Bishop O'Mahony is known to have been fraught. They clashed very publicly in 2010 over the findings of the Murphy Report, which Dr O'Mahony challenged publicly and privately.

The report highlighted how he failed to tell either the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin diocesan authorities or the gardai that Fr Noel Reynolds had a problem with child sexual abuse. Fr Reynolds later admitted sexually abusing over 100 children, while a chaplain to the hospital at the time, and in eight parishes.

Bishop O'Mahony was ordained a priest by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid in Clonliffe in 1960. In 1975, he became one of the youngest bishops ever appointed in Ireland, aged 40.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday in St Anne's Church, Shankill.