JOHN CALNAN'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN CORK: PRIEST'S DARK PAST REVEALED

In April 2015, a disturbing case involving John Calnan, a former priest from Cork, came to light, revealing a long history of sexual misconduct that spanned several decades. Calnan, who is now 76 years old, was convicted of heinous crimes committed against young children during his time serving in various parishes across West Cork. His latest conviction involved the sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl during her first confession, an incident that took place in 1989 in West Cork.

According to statements made in Cork Circuit Criminal Court by Sergeant Maurice Downey, the young girl was preparing for her First Holy Communion when she was invited to her school to participate in the traditional rite of confession. The confessions were held in a small kitchenette area, where Calnan, then in his 50s, was present to hear her first confession. During this private moment, Calnan committed a grave sexual assault by placing his hands inside her underwear and digitally penetrating her. The girl, now a 34-year-old woman, provided a detailed statement to Gardaí in 2013, recounting the abuse and revealing that Calnan appeared to be engaging in some form of self-stimulation at the time.

After the confession, Calnan discreetly adjusted her clothing, issued her absolution and penance, and told her she was free to leave the kitchenette, as described by Sgt Downey. When questioned by Gardaí about the incident, Calnan initially claimed he could not remember it and denied any wrongdoing. However, upon further investigation, he admitted that the abuse had indeed occurred and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges.

Calnan hails from Rossmore, near Clonakilty, and has served primarily in parishes within West Cork, under the Diocese of Cork and Ross. His criminal record is extensive, with previous convictions related to sexual offenses. Notably, in 2012, he pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to attempted rape and three counts of indecent assault involving a girl, as well as an indecent assault on a boy. For these offenses, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, with three years suspended.

Further, in February 2015, Calnan pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a count of indecent assault against a young girl. His sentences are set to expire in July 2017, but he could be eligible for early release as early as March 24, 2016, according to Sgt Downey. Calnan was removed from active ministry in July 1992 following the first complaint against him. He later underwent a year of treatment at the Gracewell Clinic in Birmingham.

In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, the complainant described the profound and lasting effects of Calnan’s abuse. She spoke of how her family was met with denial and shame when they reported the incident, and how warnings about speaking out were subtly conveyed within the community. She detailed the emotional scars left by the abuse, including feelings of guilt, fear, and alienation from her family and society. Her testimony highlighted the devastating impact of the abuse on her confidence, self-worth, and ability to form relationships.

Calnan’s defense lawyer, Tom Creed SC, expressed his client’s remorse and pleaded for leniency, emphasizing Calnan’s desire to live long enough to serve his sentence. Judge David Riordan sentenced Calnan to three years in prison, suspending the final year, and ordered that his name be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register. The case underscores the ongoing issues of abuse within the church and the long shadow cast by such crimes, especially involving trusted figures like priests in Cork.