Down priest faces abuse claims

Published Thursday, 11 February 2010
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A Co Down priest has voluntarily stepped aside from his duties following an allegation of sexual abuse.

Father Sean Cahill is the parish priest at St Malachy's Church in Castlewellan.

The alleged victim claimed he was abused by five priests while he was being cared for at the Nazareth House orphanage on the Ormeau Road in the 1970s.

Father Cahill has denied the allegation.

A spokesman for the diocese said: "We are aware of an allegation against a priest relating to the early 1970s.

"The diocese is co-operating fully with police and social services".

© UTV News
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14 Comments
Mary Murphy in Belfast wrote (748 days ago):
You are saying pray for him, WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE RAPED BY THESE PEOPLE?!? I am a devout catholic and love my religion though i know someone who was raped by a priest and is finding it v hard to talk about.....You should support these CHILDREN who are INNOCENT. You dont understand your childhood is over when this happens! whould you like it done to one of your own (do you have children?)?...... NO, i dont think so. Your attitude would be v different. lack of understanding of the consciences of this, never mind the support of a peadofile! Get your priorty right..........
maggie in north west wrote (828 days ago):
Maggiemay. There is a big difference between a Priest and a plummer. You would not have expected a Priest to abuse when he is seemly called by God and is regarded in the highest asteem. When he celebrates holy communion and changes the waffer into the body of Christ ,how can he then be accused of the most ungodly things. Of course the people in the Chapel will be on his side against the accuser but this is where the evidence comes in.
Blaithin in Castlewellan wrote (829 days ago):
My family and I have know Fr Sean for many years and our prayers are with him that his name will be cleared quickly. I do not believe that he is capable of doing the things that have been alleged. My sympathies go out to all those that have been abused over the years but Fr Sean is innocent until proven guilty.
Lucille in Castlewellan wrote (830 days ago):
How sad to hear about our local priest, My heart goes out to him and his friends and family at this difficult time. In my eyes Father Sean is a true and true gentleman. I hope and pray this matter will be resolved sooner rather than later for everyones sake. I want father sean and his friends and family to know they are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Harry McLoughlin in Castlewellan wrote (830 days ago):
It has taken me a little time to compose myself to write a comment and each word must be carefully thought of! While no one can know what happened years ago, I shall comment on the the priest and man I have come to know over the years. My wife, daughter and myself - with an open mind and heart would find it beyond belief that the selfless man we have known and loved as a friend, neighbour and confidant and who has been there for his parish could be associated with this allegation. All our prayers and the prayers of everyone we have spoken to are directed towards you and the person who has made the alligation. God Bless
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