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Reporter Michael Fitzpatrick revealed that five men who alleged being victimized by a predatory priest at a school in Newry are set to receive over £1.2 million in compensation for the physical and sexual abuse they endured. The victims reached final settlements in their High Court case concerning the historic assaults committed by the late Fr Malachy Finegan. Despite the accusations, Fr Finegan was never prosecuted or investigated by law enforcement.
As part of the settlements, the survivors will also receive a formal apology from the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland on behalf of the Diocese of Dromore, their legal representative confirmed. The individuals, whose identities remain confidential, filed a lawsuit against the Diocese of Dromore and the board of governors at St Colman’s College for their failure to safeguard them from the abusive priest during their time at the institution.
The victims, who attended St Colman’s College between 1972 and 1984, are not alone in their quest for justice. The agreed compensation amounts do not constitute an acknowledgment of guilt on the part of the defendants in the case. The harrowing ordeal of the survivors serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse within institutional settings.
This development marks a significant step towards closure and redress for the survivors who were subjected to unspeakable acts by Fr Malachy Finegan. The legal proceedings shed light on the systemic failures within the Catholic Church and educational institutions that enabled such egregious misconduct to go unchecked. The apology from the church leadership signifies a recognition of the harm caused and a commitment to accountability and rectification moving forward
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