BRENDAN TIERNAN SENTENCED IN DUBLIN FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST BOYS
In July 1999, a former headmaster from Dublin was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing boys over a span of more than three decades.Brendan Patrick Tiernan, aged 66 and a bachelor, pleaded guilty to 14 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving nine victims.
Tiernan, of Foxrock, Co Dublin, was the principal of Clogher Road Vocational School in Crumlin from 1979 until his abusive actions were uncovered three years earlier, thanks to one of his victims coming forward.
During the proceedings at Dublin Circuit Court, five victims detailed how their exposure to Tiernan had profoundly impacted their lives, affecting their social, professional, and sporting pursuits.
Many of them reported issues such as alcoholism and suicidal tendencies.
One victim, now 26, shared that the abuse led him to become a heroin addict and work as a male prostitute.
He also confessed to losing his self-respect for an extended period and being violent towards girlfriends.
Another victim recounted having a good job but struggling to cope in recent years, finding it difficult to get out of bed in the mornings.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said.
“But people who have never been in this situation just do not understand.” Judge Elizabeth Dunne praised Detective Sergeant David Walsh and his colleagues for their sensitive handling of the case, noting how much the victims appreciated their efforts.
Detective Walsh told the prosecution that the abuse took place from 1969 to 1996 and involved Tiernan’s car, his office, his home, and during school trips.
Tiernan often took victims on trips to locations like Brittas Bay and Pine Forest, where further abuse occurred.
Prosecutor Mr.
Erwan Mill Arden SC mentioned that one victim, abused between 1982 and 1984, received money from Tiernan after writing to him years later explaining how the abuse affected him.
Another victim, now 42 and abused between 1969 and 1974, had spoken to Tiernan in 1976.
Tiernan, originally from Bawnboy, Co Cavan, was distressed during that conversation, fearing it would ruin his career, and the victim did not pursue action at that time.
The criminal activities only came to light in 1996 when a victim contacted the Eastern Health Board, leading to Gardai being involved.
Detective Walsh identified this individual as the “catalyst” for initiating the investigation.
Walsh also described Tiernan as “a loner” who operated independently.
The investigation was complex, and some victims might not have been discovered without Tiernan’s cooperation, as he voluntarily attended an interview and insisted on giving a statement despite legal advice.
Clinical psychologist Mr.
Patrick Randalls of the Granada Institute stated that Tiernan admitted to sexually abusing young boys but initially believed his victims had consented.
He noted that Tiernan had poorly developed social skills and little awareness of the harm caused.
According to Randalls, Tiernan was confused about his sexual orientation and attracted to boys, but his motives appeared more rooted in friendship than predatory sex.
Randalls emphasized that Tiernan needed help but did not see him as a societal threat, asserting his behavior was not predatory and could be treated in the community.
Judge Dunne sentenced Tiernan to concurrent one-year terms for the five gross indecency charges and three-year sentences for the indecent assault charges.
She ordered that three of these three-year sentences be served consecutively, considering the severity of the offenses committed at the two schools where Tiernan held positions of trust.
The judge also agreed to review Tiernan’s case after three years and to assess his participation in any treatment programs during his imprisonment.
