EUGENE GREENE OF DONEGAL: SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL IN IRELAND'S RAPPORTE DIOCESE

In a case that has left a deep scar on the community of Donegal, the story of Fr Eugene Greene, a once-respected priest from the Raphoe diocese, has come to light as one of the most notorious instances of clerical abuse in Ireland. Greene's criminal activities spanned over a decade, with his heinous actions finally exposed after years of silence and cover-up.

Greene, a native of the Annagry parish in County Donegal, was convicted in 2000 after pleading guilty to 41 sample charges of sexual assault. These charges involved 26 children from various parishes within Donegal, with the abuse occurring between 1965 and 1982. The court heard that Greene had been charged on more than 100 counts, highlighting the extent of his criminal conduct. Many of his victims were altar boys, who endured repeated assaults and acts of buggery, causing lifelong trauma.

During the sentencing at Donegal Circuit Court, Judge Matthew Deery described the abuse as 'horrific' and noted that some victims had turned to alcohol in an attempt to cope with the pain inflicted during their childhood. The judge's remarks underscored the severity of Greene’s crimes and the lasting impact on those affected.

Following his conviction, Greene sought a reduction in his sentence in 2001, citing his advanced age and struggles with alcohol. However, his appeal was dismissed by the Court of Criminal Appeal. Greene was eventually released in 2008 after serving nine years of his 12-year sentence.

His background reveals a complex history. Greene served ten years with the Kiltegan Fathers in Nigeria before returning to Ireland in 1965. After his return, he served in various locations including Scotland and Cork. In 1970, he was appointed as a curate in Gweedore, and subsequently served in Killybegs, Lettermacaward, Gorthahork, where between 1976 and 1981 he abused 16 boys, Glenties, Kilmacrennan, and finally in Annagry.

The abuse was uncovered when Greene reported a man attempting to blackmail him, which led to an investigation by the Gardaí. During this inquiry, the authorities discovered evidence of Greene’s long-standing misconduct. An alarming revelation from the 2008 book 'Breaking the Silence' by retired Garda Martin Ridge and journalist Gerard Cunningham indicated that Greene’s criminal activities were known to the clergy in Raphoe as early as 1976.

Despite his criminal record, Greene’s treatment for alcoholism was noted, with Bishop Séamus Hegarty, who led the Raphoe diocese from 1982 to 1994, stating that Greene was sent to a treatment centre in England. Hegarty claimed he was unaware of any allegations of sexual abuse against Greene during his tenure as bishop. Hegarty later became bishop of Derry in 1994 and resigned recently due to health issues.

Greene’s case remains a stark reminder of the dark history of abuse within the church and the importance of accountability and justice for victims across Donegal and beyond.