The Galway Diocesan Office has said this week that it needs “time and space” before making any decision on whether to move Bishop Eamonn Casey’s remains. The office — which represents the Catholic Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora — issued a statement at the weekend in response to calls for the disgraced former bishop of Galway to be removed from the crypt at Galway Cathedral.
The calls followed an RTE documentary, broadcast last week, which detailed multiple allegations of child sexual abuse against him.
In its statement, the Diocese said the current interment of Bishop Casey in the Cathedral Crypt would require “a period of careful consideration and consultation, which has already begun”.
The organisation stressed that this was “a very sensitive issue that deeply affects people in different ways, and which has different facets”.
In a statement issued the day after the documentary aired, Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan said he was committed to “working with anybody affected, to help bring truth, healing and peace to such terribly painful situations”.
“I am deeply aware that the content of recent media coverage concerning the life and legacy of Bishop Eamonn Casey is a source of anger and profound distress to many people, and in different ways,” Bishop Duignan said. “I share these feelings. My priority is that any person who was betrayed or harmed by Bishop Casey is heard and that their experiences are appropriately acknowledged and recognised.”
The documentary, Bishop Casey’s Buried Secrets, which aired last week, saw Casey’s neice, Patricia Donovan, claim that he had sexually abused her for several years, beginning when she was just five years old.
Ms Donovan is one of five women who have claimed Bishop Casey abused them as children.
The Diocesan Office has advised anyone with concerns regarding the safeguarding of children to contact their local Garda station or Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111; their local TUSLA, Child and Family Agency duty social worker in Galway/Roscommon (091 546235 ), Mayo (094 9042030 ) or Clare (061 482792 ); Galway Diocesan designated liaison person Kevin Duffy (087 6141736 ).
Towards Healing Counselling Services, an independent organisation which provides counselling to those affected by institutional, clerical or religious abuse, can be contacted at 1800 303416.
The Diocese has said that it will not be making any further public comment until it is in a position to provide an update.
