Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Former Bishop of Galway Eamonn Casey in 1985. RollingNews.ie

Remains of disgraced former Bishop Eamonn Casey removed from Galway Cathedral crypt

Casey was interred in the crypt in 2017 after his death at the age of 89.

THE REMAINS OF disgraced Bishop Eamonn Casey have been removed from the Cathedral crypt in Galway and entrusted in the care of his family. 

In a statement issued this morning, the Galway Diocesan Office said that it would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience as the process to decide what action to take and to carry it out was underway.

“Significant consensus emerged around the unique role of a Cathedral as a place of unity rather than division, healing rather than hurt and peace rather than disquiet,” it said.

“Now, with the assent and cooperation of members of the late Bishop Eamonn’s family and following prayers for the dead, his mortal remains have been moved from the Cathedral Crypt and entrusted to their care.

“It is their express wish that the arrangements they have made for Bishop Eamonn’s final resting place remain private.”

His family members have asked for their privacy be respected at this time.

Last July, Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan said the interment of Casey in the crypt beneath the Galway Cathedral was under “careful consideration” after he was described in a RTÉ documentary as a sexual predator.

Bishop Duignan described Casey’s burial in the crypt as “a very sensitive issue that deeply affects people in different ways, and which has different facets”. Casey was buried there in 2017.

The programme examined the Catholic Church’s handling of allegations against Casey, who died in 2017 at the age of 89.

It included an interview with Casey’s niece, Patricia Donovan, who claimed that he first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years. 

It also revealed how a six-figure settlement was paid by the Catholic Church to one complainant after Casey’s death, and that the Vatican banned Casey from public ministry in 2007 following “allegations”. 

Casey consistently denied all the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him. Although all the complaints were reported to An Garda Síochána, he was never charged with, or prosecuted for, any sexual crimes.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds