JOHN MCCLEAN'S SHOCKING ABUSE AT TERENURE COLLEGE IN DUBLIN REVEALED
In a case that has sent shockwaves through Dublin and the wider Irish community, John McClean, a former rugby coach and teacher at the prestigious Terenure College, has been sentenced to serve eight years in prison for the abuse of 23 students over a span of nearly two decades.The crimes, which took place between 1973 and 1990, have left a lasting scar on the victims and have prompted widespread calls for accountability and justice.
John McClean, aged 76 at the time of sentencing, was a well-known figure within the Dublin educational and sporting circles.
His tenure at Terenure College, a private school in Dublin, lasted until 1996, during which he held multiple roles, including that of a rugby coach and teacher.
His involvement in the school extended over a period marked by allegations of misconduct, which eventually led to his departure from the institution.
After leaving Terenure College, McClean took up a coaching position at University College Dublin (UCD), where he continued his involvement in rugby.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Pauline Codd outlined the details of the case, describing how McClean exploited his position of authority to commit heinous acts against vulnerable students.
The court heard that many of the assaults occurred in McClean’s office, which he used as a private space to abuse boys after they had been disciplined or found to be in trouble in class.
The court was also informed that some victims believed they were either not selected for or were deliberately dropped from the school rugby team as a form of punishment for challenging McClean about his inappropriate conduct.
Inspector Jason Miley, who led the investigation, provided testimony that McClean was employed as an English teacher at Terenure College from 1966 until 1996.
His role as a rugby coach and his involvement in producing school plays were also highlighted.
It was revealed that McClean had initially been removed from his role in the school plays in 1979 following allegations of abuse.
Subsequently, in the early 1980s, he was appointed as a first-year “form master,” a position that granted him his own office.
Many of the indecent assaults took place within this private space, often after students had been brought there following disciplinary issues.
The court was told that some victims believed their treatment was linked to their resistance or challenges to McClean’s inappropriate behavior.
In 1996, the father of one victim reported the allegations to Father Robert Kelly, the then Provincial of the Carmelite Order in Ireland.
Following this report, Father Kelly held several meetings with McClean during the summer break, during which it was made clear that McClean would not return to Terenure College.
McClean was granted a three-year career break and subsequently took up a coaching role at UCD.
Interestingly, during these meetings, McClean reportedly admitted to the allegations, a fact noted in a document by Father Kelly, although he later claimed to have no recollection of the meeting itself, stating that if the notes contained such admissions, then “it was true.” McClean, who resides at Casimir Avenue, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, pleaded guilty to 27 charges of indecent assault committed against male students at Terenure College between 1973 and 1990.
The court is also considering additional charges.
Prior to his guilty plea in November 2020, McClean had denied all allegations during police interviews.
He has no previous criminal convictions.
Victims who testified expressed profound trauma and anger.
One described McClean as “evil personified,” while another expressed hope that a memorial or landmark be established on the grounds of Terenure College to acknowledge the past abuses.
A third victim suggested that the parents of the victims should be refunded their school fees in full, as a symbolic gesture of acknowledgment and restitution.
Throughout the proceedings, defense counsel Sean Guerin SC emphasized that McClean has expressed remorse, instructing him to deliver an “unreserved and unconditional apology.” Guerin also highlighted that McClean is “ashamed” of his actions and stressed that no victim bears any responsibility for the harm inflicted.
In early 2021, it was announced that McClean’s sentencing would be scheduled for the following month, but the case was postponed and rescheduled for a three-day hearing from February 10 to February 12.
This delay was due to an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
During this period, victim impact statements from twenty of the victims are set to be read aloud in court, with three victims opting to read their statements personally.
Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, some victims will participate via online platforms.
One of McClean’s victims expressed relief that the case was brought forward, describing the process as “extremely harrowing” but also a step toward justice.
The victim praised the police and investigators for their diligent work in gathering evidence against McClean, who has remained in seclusion at his Dublin home in Harold’s Cross, valued at approximately €750,000.
It is also anticipated that additional damages may be awarded in civil proceedings, as four victims have already initiated lawsuits against McClean in the High Court.
The investigation was spearheaded by Inspector Jason Miley and his team at Terenure Garda station, under the supervision of Superintendent Declan Dunne.
Following McClean’s guilty plea, Terenure College, operated by the Carmelite Order, issued a formal apology to the victims.
The school acknowledged its failure to protect the children entrusted to its care and expressed deep regret for the harm caused by McClean’s criminal actions, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the past and preventing future abuse.
