Bishop speaks over jailed priest

Kerry priest, Fr Jeremiah McGrath, 63, who also worked in Fermanagh, gave thousands to paedophile William Adams.

He was sentenced last week. On Saturday, the bishop of Clogher said the priest's order would decide his future when the judicial process ended.

Bishop Joseph Duffy said the Church was committed to protecting children.

Speaking to a Vigil Mass in Roslea on Saturday evening, Bishop Duffy said everyone felt "very let down" and that the case was "very sad and tragic".

He said Fr McGrath's future as a priest would now be considered by his order, St Patrick's Missionary Society.

"The Church is committed to the protection of children. For my part, I will see what lessons can be learned from this case," he said.

"I am committed to, and support without reservation, the child protection policy of the Church."

In court last week, Billy Adams, 38, originally from Belfast, was given a life sentence after pleading guilty to rape and abuse of the child.

The judge ordered that he serve a minimum of seven years and six months.

McGrath was found guilty of facilitating the abuse at Liverpool Crown Court last month. He had denied all the charges.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
NSPCC
NISOSMC
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites