Bill Kenneally victims hailed as ‘heroes’
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association
Victims of Bill Kenneally have expressed feelings of relief, closure and vindication as they were hailed “heroes” over the years-long campaign for justice.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and several other Government figures offered a State apology to Kenneally’s victims on Tuesday.
The paedophile died in prison last month, a week after a major report identified serious State failings in investigating his abuse.
Speaking to reporters after the apology, survivor Colin Power said: “I was very pleased with that and how it went and they didn’t really leave any stone unturned, I think it was a comprehensive apology.”
Barry Murphy agreed and said: “Everything that we hoped we would get out of today, we got.”
Referencing Martin’s comments about Kenneally’s uncle and cousin, he added: “It was huge even when the Taoiseach named and shamed the members of his own party.”
Paul Walsh told the media: “It was a long time coming. We didn’t ever know would we would get to this stage but when we did eventually, it was a great feeling.”
Simon O’Toole said he never thought the day would come, telling reporters it was like a feeling of chains coming off.
A solicitor for several of the men said they had paved a better future for the children of Ireland.
Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, said: “These men have made history – they started out a campaign almost a decade ago to ensure there would be justice and accountability for a paedophile who committed crimes with impunity for almost a quarter of a century.
“Words can’t describe the importance of what these men have achieved – and whilst apologies don’t change the past, they certainly pave the way for a better future.
“Not only have these men paved the way for a better future for themselves with closure, they’ve paved the way for a better future for the children of Ireland, who will now go forward being protected because of heroes like these.”
Asked about Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan instructing his officials to begin a process of compensation, Mr Mackin said: “The next step in the road is ensuring that these men don’t have to go through any further court processes or litigation.
“It’s a very simple solution to all of that: Save these men the torment, ensure that those processes can be closed off, ensure the mediation occurs without delay so these men can move on with their lives.
“They’ve given enough of their lives, it is now time the Government give to them what they’ve taken for so many years – give them closure.”
Elsewhere, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly apologised for “significant failures” in investigating Kenneally.
He also said An Garda Síochána “acknowledges and regrets that victims Jason Clancy and A7 were not communicated with properly” in the initial stages of a later investigation into the paedophile.
Asked about the comments on RTÉ’s Six One News, Mr Clancy said: “I’m glad he has acknowledged that because we were, I was treated very badly.”
He said he had provided names to Gardaí and “nobody was contacted”, so he was forced to go to the media.
“Then when that happened, yes, they then took up the investigation and they did a very thorough investigation but I’m delighted he did acknowledge that,” he added.
