Irish priest who defended sex criminal steps down

DONAL THORNTON,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Friday, December 18, 2009, 1:58 PM

Updated Friday, December 18, 2009, 2:15 PM

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Sean Sheehy shook hands with convicted sex offender Danny Foley before the case.

Story / Irish bishop disowns priest who supported sex offender / click here

An Irish priest who gave a character reference to a sex offender stepped down from his position in a Kerry parish earlier today.

Fr. Seán Sheehy had told the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee that Danny Foley, a nightclub security guard, had “not an abusive bone in his body,” according to the Irish Independent. Foley, 35, has been convicted of assaulting a 22-year-old woman.

On a radio talkshow after the court case Fr. Sheehy said that Foley’s seven year sentence was "extremely harsh," and said he had no regrets about providing the character reference.

The priest was one of about 50 people, mostly older men, who shook hands with and hugged the convicted man before he was brought to the dock, the Independent said.

The Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Center criticized Fr. Sheehy, who testified in court that Foley had the height of respect for women. Bishop Murphy of the Kerry diocese called him to a meeting earlier today, after which the priest offered to withdraw from his work in the parish.

A note on the Kerry diocese website says: “This morning Fr. Seán Sheehy and Bishop Bill Murphy met. In view of recent events Fr. Seán Sheehy offered to withdraw from his work in the parish of Castlegregory.”

The note adds, “The Bishop of Kerry accepted his offer which takes effect from today, Friday the 18th of December.”

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homefarm | Dec 21, 2009, 06:29 PM EST

Based on reading limited accounts in newspaper reports Foley deserved the harsh sentence despite hearsay evidence that the young woman who was raped has a history. What is more troubling is Irelands' love affair with its rogues its time to make people accountable, forget tribunals and reports enforce the rule of law.

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cavan61 | Dec 19, 2009, 07:29 PM EST

I commend Bishop Murphy for quickly and effectively dealing with this rogue priest. I hope the press gives as much coverage to Bishop Murphy's commendable actions as it did to Father Sheehy's outrageous remarks.

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Tony Barry | Dec 19, 2009, 05:32 AM EST

Reporter Thornton....what's next for this so called priest ...what parish is going to be stuck with him after this ?

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kickstar | Dec 19, 2009, 03:35 AM EST

Well said 'jacersisityourself ' And God bless you 'KathyCallahan' as usual, the only way to control this rabble is somewhat like Rats you either have to trap them or keep them on the move, Thank God this EEjit trapped himself he is about wise enough not to chew the ends of his own fingers. You know lost in all of this somewhere is a little girl who was brutally sexually assaulted embarrassed and mortified I have three young daughters my self and God forbid anything like this would happen to them but my heart goes out to her and all the good and decent people of Ireland who know what side is the right side to be on in this scandelous criminal and outright brutal ferocious and unjustified attack by a Big brave man a bouncer no less on this little girl. I would also like to commend the Judge in this case for his excellent summing up of this case and his Candor. I have always found the Irish judicatory to be very fair upright and thoughtful and when it comes to their sentencing I think they fairly mirror society in general without prejudice or vindictiveness deliver a sentence worthy of the crime.

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KathyCallahan | Dec 18, 2009, 07:27 PM EST

That's just how badly and deeply entrenched these guys are in the pathological division of the institutional system. As tragic as it is...I am glad Sheehy revealed his true colors in public and for all to see at the right time in this crises. Sheehy is the latest poster boy and story that exemplifies why why: Traditional marriage values and Irish catholic priests are perfect together. Let them marry sooner than later on. Attract new priests who know how to love, honor, respect and take more than one sacred and solemn vow.

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jacersisityourself | Dec 18, 2009, 03:42 PM EST

I saw Fr. Sheehy on TV last night, standing over his actions re that git Foley. I was apalled to listen to him. He's obviously one of those priests who cannot see beyond their noses or smigeen beards. Am delighted he's gone from his position. But now.. WHERE has he gone? To possibly defend another 'Foley'?

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