A jury has found a priest who is a Monaghan native guilty of historic sexual abuse charges against pupils of an Enniskillen school.
70 year old Canon Patrick McEntee from Esker Road, Dromore denied sexual offences against five boys at St Michael's College over various dates between 1978 and 1989.
In a trial lasting just over two weeks, Dungannon Crown Court heard there were similarities in Canon McEntee taking the victims to his private quarters. The youngest victim described how Canon McEntee called him into a room and chastised over his behaviour in class.
He then touched the boy's genitals, undid his belt, pulled his trousers down and sexually assaulted him. Canon McEntee sent him off with a warning not to get into trouble again.
About three weeks later Conon McEntee took him into a study where a similar incident occurred. On a third occasion McEntee grabbed him by the arm and said, "You're coming with me", but this time the victim pushed him away. As this was an action against a member of staff the victim expected repercussions but nothing happened. A second victim recalled being sent to Canon McEntee and was sexually assaulted while alone with him
The third victim "wasn't much of a student" and often found himself in detention which was usually in the college library, but not when Canon McEntee was on duty. Instead he took him to his private quarters where he put on classical music and had the boy sit on his knee.
The fourth victim said his unwillingness to do homework landed him in detention which he attempted to avoid, resulting in him being sent to Canon McEntee. He too described classical music playing, and Canon McEntee sat him on his knee "for a chat" then allegedly touched him under his shirt. The final victim said CanonMcEntee, "had a habit of taking him to his private quarters" when he was about 13 or 14.
He would have the boy sit on his knee and ask if he'd been a good or bad, then smack his bottom. Canon McEntee denied the allegations, insisting "none of it happened", pointing to his duration as a priest without any previous concerns.
But the jury didn't agree taking around four hours to deliver unanimous guilty verdicts on all but one charge. He was cleared of sexually assaulting one of the boys.
Judge Richard Green adjourned for pre-sentence reports and ordered Canon McEntee to sign the Sex-Offender Register. Sentencing will take place on 4 September.
Statement from Bishop Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher.
Following today’s court judgement in respect of Canon Patrick McEntee, "I am deeply saddened that innocent young people had to endure such abuse while attending school and especially at the hands of a priest who was in a position of sacred trust. This goes against everything that the Gospel proclaims.
"No words of mine can make up for the suffering caused to these men and their families over the years. I want to sincerely apologise to each of them and assure them of our support and prayers.
"I know that this news will also come as a shock to the parishioners of Dromore, Co Tyrone, and to the community of St Michael’s College, Enniskillen. I want to assure everyone that our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are robust and are always being reviewed to ensure the highest possible standards and practice in respect of children and vulnerable adults in our diocese.
"If anyone else has a concern or complaint, either now or from the past, I encourage them to come forward and contact both the diocese and the statutory authorities via the following numbers."
Martha Smyth, Raheen, 12 Hollyhill Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Telephone: 00447775507445 Email: [email protected]
Anne Molloy, 10 Dunene Avenue, Kesh Road, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh Telephone: 0044 78 7941 3855 Email: [email protected]
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Tel: 101 or Emergency Number 999 Western PSNI: 028 90650222 Or any Police Station
An Garda Siochana Tel: 01 663430 or 01 663435
Garda 24 Hour Free Phone Reporting Line: 1800 555 222 Email: [email protected] or any station
Northern Ireland Gateway Services, Western Health and Social Care Trust Tel: 028 7131 4090 (Children) or 028 7161 1366 (Adults) (Office hours)
In NI - Regional Emergency Social Work Service: 028 9504 9999 (Out of hours emergencies)
In the Republic of Ireland TUSLA, Child and Family Agency Rooskey, Monaghan Tel: 049 436 9801
