'I am deeply saddened and ashamed that an innocent child had to endure such abuse'

Bishop Alan McGuckian has apologised to a child who suffered abuse at the hands of a former priest on behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe.

Eamonn Crossan appeared at Donegal Circuit Court this week, where he faced 96 counts of indecent assault and sexual assault, where the 72-year-old pleaded guilty to nine sample charges out of the 96.

Former priest Eamonn Crossan. Photo: North West Newspix

He was a priest in the Diocese of Raphoe from 1976 and was removed from ministry in 1998 on reception of an earlier complaint for which he has served time in prison. The abuse dates back to the 1980s. Crossan is currently in custody at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, which was given as his current address.

“I am deeply saddened and ashamed that an innocent child had to endure such abuse, especially at the hands of a priest who was in a position of sacred trust,”  Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, said.

“No words of mine can atone for the suffering caused to an innocent person and to his family and yet I want to apologise most sincerely. If anyone else has a concern or complaint, either now or from the past, I encourage them to come forward and contact both the diocese and the statutory authorities.”

Crossan was remanded in custody until the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court in March when he will be sentenced.

To report a concern or complaint of child abuse either current or historical, please contact Margaret Northage the Designated Liaison Person for the diocese on 086 2183 011 or you can go directly to the statutory authorities:
Tusla (Child & Family Agency) - tel: 074 9102233
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau - tel: 01 6663430/6663435.
In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 91 67100.
Free Counselling & Support is available through Towards Healing, an independent organisation providing professional support for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Freephone - Rol: 1800 303416,
Freephone - N.Ireland & UK: 0800 0963315,
Freephone - Hearing Impaired: 085 8022 859
Ard Adhamhnáin, Bóthar na hArd Eaglaise, Leitir Ceanainn, Co Dhún na nGall, F92 W2W9 Charity Reg. No: 20015916 CHY 7373