Bishop of Galway, Brendan Kelly has praised the courage of the victim whose complaint led to the jailing of a city priest for sexual abuse today.
On 23rd November, 2021, Fr. Tom Brady, a priest of the Galway diocese, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault. Today, at Galway Circuit Court, he was sentenced to two years in prison, with six months suspended. Fr. Brady has been on leave from ministry since 27th May, 2016.
In response to this sentence, Bishop of Galway Brendan Kelly said he wanted to acknowledge the courage of the person who brought the complaint.
“Today I wish to acknowledge both the courage of the person who brought this complaint and the related suffering endured by the victim in order to ensure that truth and justice have been served. I also wish to acknowledge the pain which this case has brought to the victim’s family.
"I apologise for the trauma caused by Fr Brady’s criminal and immoral behaviour. Nobody should have to experience inappropriate behaviour from a Church representative, and least of all from a priest. Such abuse was a terrible betrayal of trust and I condemn it unreservedly.
"Today’s news challenges all of us involved in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in our diocese. I wish to expressly acknowledge the commitment of Safeguarding Representatives in each of our thirty-nine parishes.
"These parish volunteers are supported by the very active Diocesan Safeguarding Committee as well as the Designated Liaison Person and Support Persons. Thanks to their good work and vigilance, the safeguarding of children continues to be a pastoral priority in our Diocese.
"In this regard, I also wish to acknowledge the support of the National Case Advisory Committee and the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church.
"I encourage anyone with concerns regarding the safety of children to contact the Gardaí, TUSLA, the HSE or the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora without delay.
A Canonical Inquiry will be initiated in due course”.
