A Dublin priest who raped a seven-year-old young boy on the altar, after tying him up with cords from his vestments and playing Elvis Presley songs to drown his screams, was sentenced to 16 years for abusing young boys.
Tony Walsh, 57, was a famous member of a priests music group known for his Elvis impersonations. He was a serial molester whose activities were known to senior figures in the Dublin archdiocese who overlooked his crimes.
Walsh's activities took up an entire chapter in the recent Murphy report on priestly abuse in the Dublin archdiocese. He was not actually named in that report as his case was continuing.
During sentencing Judge Frank O’Donnell called Walsh a “serial offender” who had inflicted a “life sentence” on one of his victims.
“It is difficult to imagine more reprehensible circumstances than a priest in confession setting about the sexual abuse of a young boy,” the judge said. “This is a gross breach of trust, and that’s putting it mildly.”
The court was told how “David” (not his real name), was tied up cords from his vestments before he raped him.
When the boy cried in pain, Walsh turned up an Elvis record to drown out the noise. Afterwards he told the kid he would “burn in hell for all eternity” if he told anyone.
David gave evidence during a victim impact statement “Following the abuse, I turned to drink and drugs to numb the pain,” David said. “My trust was gone towards people . . . When I was around 16, I attempted suicide. It was the first of numerous attempts.”
David admitted himself into a psychiatric hospital after the sentencing.
“I have been diagnosed as suffering from severe bouts of psychotic depression...” he said. “Because of all this, I will be on medication for the rest of my life.”
Another victim, “Noel”, stated this parents would not believe him when said he was abused. “My mother said: ‘How could you say that about a man of the cloth, a man of God?’ My father gave me a hiding which started in the kitchen and finished in the bedroom.”
The third victim, “Tim”, said the abuse had devastated him.
“I remember lying face-down, while Mr Walsh lay on top of me, making gyrating movements . . . I remember thinking, ‘When will this be over, when can I leave?’”
Despite being defrocked Tony Walsh turned up in 1994 at a , posing as a priest. After the Mass, he sexually assaulted he 11-year-old grandson of the deceased in the toilets.
Following the sentencing, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said . “I can only unreservedly apologise to the victims of this man for what they endured and for the way in which the diocese failed them.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.barneyjo | Dec 16, 2010, 06:00 PM EST
Just watched the UTV Insight special "The Ressurection of Brendan Smyth" I am disgusted, ashamed, embarrassed as an Irish Catholic that a man with evidently no personal conscience feels he can still remain as a Cardinal Prince of the Church when it has been shown that he was found to be negligent in the protection of children. He is on record as saying that he would resign if he found he was in any way culpable. He was culpable, and he hasnt resigned. SHAME ON HIM; SHAME ON OUR CHURCH!!!!
galway2001 | Dec 13, 2010, 08:32 PM EST
that bum should be hung from a poll right in the middle of town so everyone can see what he did,what a scum back 16 yrs. what a joke he should be killed,whats wrong with irish people there a joke,there so damn liberal it make you sick,they put priest above anything or anyone else ,please wake up irish before its to late
barneyjo | Dec 12, 2010, 08:33 PM EST
@Towngate - On Thursday of this week, Ulster Television will broadcast an hour long program from their "Insight" Current Affairs program (21:00 GMT) It is entitled "The Ressurection of Brendan Smyth" and is a follow-up on a previous program on the activities of this Pedophile Priest. I gather it will attempt to evaulate the actual consequences of the those members of the Irish Hierarchy who knew about Smyth, having chosen to cover up his activities. If you dont have access to UTV you will be able to view it on the Channel website (just search for Ulster Television - UTV) and use the media player. I rather suspect it may address some of the points you have raised in your last post!!!
cuddlybuddly | Dec 12, 2010, 06:14 AM EST
"notorious" is the word that sends chills...people knew about him and did nothing. What we ALLOW in this society is despicable and we are all accountable-
pilib04 | Dec 11, 2010, 01:08 PM EST
when will the bishops be tried???
StevieWeavie | Dec 10, 2010, 06:02 PM EST
This is awful and it seems to continue. These people of the church are just as guilty as the man causing the abuse. Once you are aware and you allow it to continue, shame on you. 1 Corinthians 6:9 "What! Do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit GOD's kingdom ? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purpose, nor men who lie with men.....Acts 7:24 And when he caught sight of a certain one being unjustly treated, he defended him and executed vengeance for the one being abused by striking the egyptian down........there is a verse referring to men of GOD using there position to take advantage of others which is greatly frowned upon and not accepted by GOD. I just can't seem to find it right now. This sickens me what these priests and other men of GOD do to abuse children for their own sexual pleasure. I did appreciate what the judge stated, "Walsh a “serial offender” who had inflicted a “life sentence” on one of his victims". These boys are damaged for life. Walsh took their childhood away, their innocense, their sane minds. This is something they will deal with forever and will never forget. Men like walsh give a bad name to the Catholic church and every one else who allowed it to continue. I pray that those children that were abused can find peace and some how find a way to soften the blow to allow them to live as much of a normal life that they possibly can. May GOD give them the strength to do this. I know of a man who was sexually abused. This was over 30 years ago and he still is troubled by it. He has received many years of therapy. Once he was wrestling with a close relative and lost his cool because the man he was wrestling with held him from behind and he had a flash back of the abuse. It can happen at any time. I feel for them all deeply.
brownathon | Dec 10, 2010, 12:40 PM EST
The photo caption reads... "Ex-priest Tony Walsh is sentenced to 16 years". HOW DO YOU GET SENTENCED TO ONLY 16 YEARS? Why not a life sentence? Something is WRONG with this!
sullivansgirl | Dec 10, 2010, 12:23 PM EST
People what are you talking about!? We survived the Inquisition. What horrors those? Satan and his minions tried to destroy us from within then. We must root out the evil absolutely - but for God's sake we must not let them destroy us. Can we let what our people went through to allow us to be who we are be for nothing? I don't believe that I am so naive. My grandmother used to say "one rotten apple spoils the barrel." Stop them! Encourage good young men and women in vocations. Raise our children to love their faith as we do - but understand that a priest and a sister are ONLY HUMAN BEINGS with VERY IMPORTANT JOBS and they are not the ultimate authority. Where you will spend your afterlife is between you and Our Heavenly Father.
Advocate | Dec 10, 2010, 11:42 AM EST
Now it is We the SHEEPle who have been sentenced! It is we who have already spent tens-of-thousands of our tax-dollars for the investigative work, trial, Etc., etc., who are sentenced to pay for his EVERYthing for many years to come! Why? What is the benefit to our society. What do we gain for our investment? And now, because we 'like', (sic), this CrimeScumBag so well, we get to pay for his EVERYthing? From his legal work to his TP and electricity; His water bill and TV. We'll pay for his medical, eye-care, housing, security. We'll buy his clothes, do his laundry; Buy his food and prepare it for him, Etc., etc., etc.
Towngate | Dec 09, 2010, 07:43 PM EST
Barneyjo: Fair enough. I understand your point.Is it really possible that every single priest in the history of the Church KNEW? Surely there must be some innocent ones. But even if 'good' priests did know we can't assume they didn't try to prevent it and failing to do so, decided to carry on trying to do good as best they could - working from within. ....Other members of my family,dedicated to the African Missions became disillusioned with the financial and political element and left. ..............Some take the view that the entire church should be dis-established and charges against all clergy should be brought,church property and holdings seized and administered as compensation to the victims of these crimes.........@murphy66 cites the root (and route) of the evil: Celibacy: A condition imposed on priests in addition to the ban on Marriage - purely to protect Church property being passed to their Widows and children. Perhaps it is 'too big an ask' as they say. .....You did not comment on my 'agonising temptation' some priests must have endured - as dealt with in the British Film set in Ireland: "Conspiracy of Silence" by John Deery (available Stateside on DVD)but which focuses on the private agony suffered but offers no solutions. Big subject!
barneyjo | Dec 09, 2010, 03:34 PM EST
@ariagirl - what should frighten you even more that within the terms of Catholic dogma, the sacramental celebrations of a priest abuser are as totally valid as those of a "good" priest. Its a horrific thought to think of a priest on the altar celebrating the Eucharist, having sexually violated a young body within a short time of the consecration isnt it!! However, according to the Church, that consecration is still valid.
barneyjo | Dec 09, 2010, 03:30 PM EST
@Towngate - I agree with your sentiments in many respects, but only up to a point. Consider this; "people of evil intent can only thrive, when people of good intent stand by and let this happen" It genuinely pains me to say this but even the good and saintly men you speak of were and are to varying degrees equaly culpable because in many cases THEY KNEW about the unhealthy activities of many of their Brother Priests, and chose to keep silent, either by choice or under authority of the Church Hierarchy. How can a Cardinal Prince of the Church in Ireland live with himself now, when as a young priest, in 1975 he browbeat two young children into silence under Papal Authority, by telling them they would be condemned to hell if they revealed their experiences at the hands of one of the most infamous predatory priest abusers (Brendan Smyth)?? No, although as you say many good men have lived exemplary lives of faith, in many cases they are tainted by silence, or by their sense of duty and obedience to the Church. I know this because my late uncle was one such priest who had to have known of the activities of priest abusers, but who to some extent was complicit in covering up their activities.
barneyjo | Dec 09, 2010, 03:17 PM EST
@Sullivansgirl - em I think you would benefit from a short lesson in Irish History, considering some of the remarks in your post. One in particular "They revolted openly to be Catholic" (your quote) I'm sure that the many Presbyterians who committed themselves to the 1798 Rebellion would be disappointed in that statement. Also, I'm sure it has occurred to you already, that the colours in the Irish Flag (Green and Orange with white in the middle) are meant to symbolise the aspiration and goal to unite all communities in Ireland, then as now, be they Catholic, Protestant or dissenter. So, no, Irish men and women through the ages didnt for the most part give up their lives to be Catholic; they gave up their lives to be IRISH!!!!!!
mcmliii | Dec 09, 2010, 10:40 AM EST
I agree with DanOLoingsigh; I would add, however, that were he imprisoned in the US, he would get a little Old Testament justice from other inmates.
Towngate | Dec 09, 2010, 10:31 AM EST
As a devout young Catholic Altar-boy in Ireland in the 50's, I would run a mile to serve two Masses before School. Sometimes the priest would oversleep and I would have to wake him up to say the early mass. In all the times I entered his living quarters,or any other time, I never felt in any danger whatsoever. He was always courteous and kind. He was a saintly man and although I believed in God I was certain I could never believe as much as he did. He inspired me to aim for the Priesthood. He,and thousands more like him who followed a true calling and resisted the agonising temptation that others succumbed to, are equally abused as their pious saintly mission and good works are devalued and dis-graced by the fallen priests and those who protected them. ......Remember: " Good people who live in Peace and Joy: Breathe a Prayer - shed a tear for ..." the Faithful Priests who remained true to their Vows as well as those poor unfortunate children.
ariagirl | Dec 09, 2010, 09:42 AM EST
What scares me the most is the statement "He was a serial molester whose activities were known to senior figures in the Dublin archdiocese who overlooked his crimes." How is this possible? In reality, this person WAS NOT A PRIEST. He just used that place of authority as his access point to young children. Shame on the archdiocese for not taking care of this.
coolnana | Dec 09, 2010, 09:22 AM EST
WRONG !!!
sirpeter | Dec 09, 2010, 05:48 AM EST
@londonirishtom..I keep trying to answer your question,but it appears I'm been censored and every time i post,it ends up been taken down,for what reason i'm not sure.
John O'Brien | Dec 09, 2010, 01:26 AM EST
Disgusting!
sullivansgirl | Dec 08, 2010, 03:52 PM EST
Just some facts: I am in no way trying to justify this man’s actions; I’m Irish, 3rd generation born in the States; I’m Catholic, attended Catholic school, as did my daughter and son; 4) none of my schoolmates were EVER molested by a priest, nor were my childrens’ friends, we’ve talked about this. Perhaps this is a romantic view, but my take is that Irish Catholics died to be Catholic, they were starved, shot, hung, transported from their home. They revolted openly to be Catholic, and, when they got here some deserted the Army because they weren’t able to practice their faith. How could they believe that pure evil existed in some of the people they trusted the most - some, very few, but some of the people they revered. As for the hierarchic, we’re taught that God forgives everything if we ask for forgiveness, and who are we to withhold that if he has forgiven. Pure evil will take advantage of our innocence and ignorance, we may continue to trust and allow the wolf near the sheep again because we just can’t believe anyone in that position can be evil - how could they be, it’s just beyond comprehension? Obviously, we have become more aware that “human beings” can deceive us - but they can’t deceive God and the sacrilege this man has committed against children, on the alter, with his vestments, there is no earthly punishment that will stand up to what is in store for him I’m sure - although we would still like to see it.
Liamkeyes | Dec 08, 2010, 02:48 PM EST
It boggles my mind, to say the least.
Sungold | Dec 08, 2010, 06:32 AM EST
If this human waste was sentenced in the U.S., he would probably never leave prison alive. Maybe in Ireland he will meet the same fate. Barneyjo, I don't understand your post...I don't think anyone here is sympathetic towards Walsh.
barneyjo | Dec 07, 2010, 04:49 PM EST
The lot of ye make me sick to the stomach wit yer comments!! Your self-indulgent soundbites lack any real compassion for real human suffering, and you are ALL SO wise (God help us) I pray you are spared the cross and mill-stone of having one of your family fall prey to an abuser of children. SHAME ON YOU ALL FOR YOUR SELF-CENTRED, EGOTISTICAL IGNORANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
annhowell | Dec 07, 2010, 03:11 PM EST
Reprehensible. Sixteen years...his victims should have a shot at him and anything goes.
Mavaureen | Dec 07, 2010, 02:58 PM EST
I don't understand why the church hierarchy, who covered up these heinous crimes, are not tried as accessories. All of them should be extradited from their "safe hideaways" and put on trial in the country where they perpetrated the abuse...and I don't care if they reside in the Vatican, whether cleric or pope. The only satisfaction for the abused is the knowledge that child molesters are given the same "dose" by their cellmates. Am I the only one who thinks the apologies are meaningless, just empty words, without any true remorse or purpose of atonement? The Vatican should be made to foot the bill for all the treatments and medications received by the abused...even if it takes 100 yrs.
bosbunny | Dec 07, 2010, 02:37 PM EST
16 years? all of his victims got life sentences...how could the jury find he only deserved 16 years for his demonic assaults? All involved in the cover-up should be defrocked and sentenced to life as well....heinous behavior and decisions!
manhattan | Dec 07, 2010, 02:34 PM EST
16 years? What the hell does someone have to do to get the death penalty or life without parole? What that animal did to that boy gives me nightmares. I know if it were my son, I would be waiting for him after the 16 short yrs. are up and I would have no qualms about giving him what he should have gotten from the so called justice system in Ireland.
Searlit | Dec 07, 2010, 12:45 PM EST
Life imprisonment!
londonirishtom | Dec 07, 2010, 12:38 PM EST
@sirpeter…Homosexuals & lesbians… why are these being included…I work with a few, and they are fine people, with adult relationships… no need for a psychologist as far a I’m aware…p.s. liked your Aussie post which seems to have disappeared
kateomprint | Dec 07, 2010, 11:59 AM EST
I can never understand why Judges only give a sentence like 16 years when they listen to the pain and suffering that these people as children suffered. People in Ireland did have blind faith in the clergy and i am glad that this is not the case anymore.
justhimself | Dec 07, 2010, 11:36 AM EST
The bishops and archbishops were cupable by their coverups, they are just as guilty and should be sharged and put on trial. 16yrs is a slap on the wrist for the gross horror of his crimes, he should be locked away forever, or bring back public hanging in the town square.
DanOLoingsigh | Dec 07, 2010, 11:25 AM EST
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones...Luke 17:2
greenferrett101 | Dec 07, 2010, 10:41 AM EST
this is sick...im glad he's alive to be punished, unlike many other sickos....
sroneil | Dec 07, 2010, 10:38 AM EST
WOW..CAN THIS BE RIGHT! I AGREE WITH ALL THE THOUGHTS TO DO HARM TO THIS "MAN OF THE CLOTH" AT LEAST THIS CURRENT GENERATION OF FAITHFUL ARE MORE AWARE OF THE HUMAN FAULTS THAT ARE POSSIBLE WITH THE HOLY MEN...FAITHFUL BEWARE...LIKE ANY GROUP THERE ARE PREVERTS AND THERE ARE GOOD DECENT MEN AND WOMEN WHO DO GOOD WORK ...GOD BLESS THOSE WHO DOING GOOD AND GOD DAMM THOSE WHO DON'T
breffnyblue | Dec 07, 2010, 10:34 AM EST
wholly agree with gypsyrover-yes 'they should have' and do it as in the old days-by HANGING!!
gypsyroverman | Dec 07, 2010, 10:11 AM EST
I believe if they were to give the pervert ony sixteen years, they should have him castrated. I also believe his superiors should not get away free. They knew about this guy and did nothing about it.
hotrocks | Dec 07, 2010, 10:01 AM EST
I think he deserves to be in prison for a lot longer than 16 years. What he did to these young boys is reprehensible!!! For the Archbishop to apologize now is too little, too late. That senior members of the diocese knew about his activities and did nothing is beyond my comprehension! How could they allow this to continue without thought to his many victims? They all deserve to spend time in prison and see how they feel about being raped!
jamieLM | Dec 07, 2010, 09:47 AM EST
I doubt anyone can be "deliriously happy" reading about a pervert/monster who sexually and emotionally abused young boys, especially a member of the clergy who's defiled and made a mockery of his vows to God and Christ when he was ordained. That goes for all the scumbag church officials who aided this perverted monster in his criminal activities. Lock'em up and throw away the key. In the U.S. there are Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish child molesters among the clergy. One child molested is one child too many - no matter by priest, pastor, or rabbi.
chriswalsh | Dec 07, 2010, 09:44 AM EST
He only got 16 years, it should have been life in prison. I hope he is the one tied up and assaulted.
tropicalraiz | Dec 07, 2010, 09:39 AM EST
they should have gave him LIFE !!!!
sirpeter | Dec 07, 2010, 09:24 AM EST
@horizons..The three companies that insure the majority of Protestant churches in America say they typically receive upward of 260 reports each year of young people under 18 being sexually abused by clergy, church staff, volunteers or congregation members.Protestant numbers have been harder to come by because the denominations are less centralized than the Catholic church.The Catholic church has revealed that there have been 228 credible accusations a year.Logic has always suggested that the numbers would be fairly equal,given that those who have studied pedophilia and ephebophilia find that 1-2% of all men are involved. There you go you little protestant unionist pri*ck.
MaureeninCT | Dec 07, 2010, 09:07 AM EST
I think he should be castrated, allowed to be beaten by his abusers and their families, then put in solitary confinement for the rest of his life.