Retired Kildare GAA referee Tommy Howard to be sentenced for prolonged abuse of niece in November

Former GAA referee Thomas (Tommy) Howard appeared before Judge Sinéad McMullen at Tullamore Circuit Court last week, where the court heard details of the abuse of his niece, Maeve Leahy, during the mid-1980s and 1990s.

During which time Mr Howard was a prominent GAA referee and was in charge of the 1993 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final between Derry and Cork.

The 79 year-old, from Old Kilcullen, Co.Kildare pleaded guilty to a number of charges relating to assault and coercement over a 10-year period. He will receive his sentence on November 13 at Portlaoise District Court.

According to a report by Journalist Conor Feehan in the Irish Independent, the now 46 year-old Ms Leahy, waived her right to anonymity to name her abuser and said she came forward because the years of abuse were “destroying her.”

In her victim impact statement, Ms Leahy told the court that his words twisted her understanding of the world and stained her innocence. She said his actions had torn her family apart but that she was taking a stand for “little Maeve”, and if she didn't speak her truth, she would be dead.

In mitigation, the defence pointed to a written letter of apology, the guilty plea, the absence of previous convictions, and Mr Howard's advanced age.

Judge Sinead McMullen told Mr Howard's legal team that they can expect a custodial sentence, and remanded him on continuing bail until sentencing.

READ NEXT: Former Kildare captain wants 'progress' after Kildare LGFA and GAA deny county final issues