Gardaí Conclude No Further Action in Bishop Casey Investigation
Gardaí have decided to take no further action on the original investigation file concerning the late Bishop Eamonn Casey. This decision follows a review conducted by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) at the request of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. A spokesperson for the Gardaí confirmed that the review has been completed and no additional investigative steps are required.
The review was prompted by an RTÉ documentary titled Bishop Casey’s Buried Secrets, which explored how the Catholic Church managed abuse allegations against Casey. The documentary brought renewed attention to the serious claims made against the former Bishop, including those from his niece, Patricia Donovan.
Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse
Patricia Donovan recounted harrowing experiences of abuse during the documentary. She stated that she was first raped by Bishop Casey when she was just five years old, and the abuse continued over many years. Her account described the violence and fear she endured, as well as the sense of powerlessness she felt.
She shared, “The horror of being raped by him when I was five, the violence. And it just carried on in that vein. He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked… He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him… It didn’t make any difference.”
Ian Elliott, the former CEO of The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, described Bishop Casey as “a sexual predator.” He emphasized the need for the Church to support those who were harmed, stating, “It should have been stopped… those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the Church. That is a major priority.”
Legal and Church Responses
Despite multiple allegations of child sexual abuse being reported to the Gardaí, Bishop Casey was never charged with any offense. He consistently denied all accusations during his lifetime. His legacy remains deeply controversial, especially following the release of the RTÉ documentary, which revealed previously undisclosed details about his conduct.
Bishop Casey, who served as the Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh, resigned from his position in 1992 after an affair with American woman Annie Murphy led to the birth of their son. The Vatican later confirmed that he was formally removed from public ministry in 2007 due to “allegations,” including complaints of child sexual abuse. However, this information was not disclosed publicly during his lifetime.
Final Resting Place of Bishop Casey
In a recent development, the Diocese of Galway announced that the remains of Bishop Casey were removed from the crypt of Galway Cathedral and returned to his family. The diocese expressed gratitude to the community for its understanding, patience, and respect during the process. They also highlighted the importance of the cathedral as a place of unity, healing, and peace rather than division or disquiet.
Bishop Casey passed away in 2017 and was initially buried in the crypt of Galway Cathedral. His removal from the site has sparked discussions about the role of religious institutions in addressing historical wrongs and ensuring accountability.
