PATRICK BARRY, FORMER PAEDOPHILE PRINCIPAL, RELEASED IN WEST CLARE AFTER SERVING 18 MONTHS

In May 2016, Patrick Barry, a former primary school principal from Kilkee, west Clare, was released from prison after serving only 18 months of an 11-year sentence handed down in 2014. Barry was convicted of indecently assaulting 11 female pupils over a 21-year span from 1964 to 1985 at Moyasta National School.

One victim described Barry during the trial as “a vicious wolf lying in wait” for children, illustrating the traumatic impact of his actions. The 82-year-old, from Well Road, Kilkee, received an 11-year sentence in November 2014, with five years suspended. However, in May of the following year, the Court of Criminal Appeal reduced his sentence to five years, suspending the last three.

Following his release, Barry returned to Kilkee and has already engaged with Kilrush Garda Station as part of his duty as a registered sex offender.

The court heard from five of the victims, who criticized the appeal court’s decision as “unjust and wrong.” Barry’s abuse involved girls aged nine to 13 at Moyasta NS, in incidents where he abused his authority and trust as principal. One victim recounted that Barry “terrorised and abused me daily for years,” highlighting the severity of his misconduct.

Barry was found guilty of 59 counts of indecent assault. Two of the victims were sisters, both students at Moyasta NS, where he taught grades 3 through 6. In response to the sentence reduction, one of the victims stated, “I think it belittles us as victims and would almost encourage other 'would-be predators' that it is worth the risk with a slap on the wrist like this.” She emphasized, “We were innocent, helpless children expected to be in a protected environment but instead suffered at the hands of a predator for years. No sentence could be long enough, and shortening it is just wrong and unjust.”

Another survivor expressed her disappointment: “I am gutted by the reduction in his sentence. I had to relive my childhood during three weeks of trial testimony, and the scars still remain. I struggle to understand how his community contributions influenced the court of appeal when his actions caused so much damage. Despite everything, I take some comfort knowing Barry was found guilty unanimously and remains a registered sex offender.” A further victim added that Barry “has shown no remorse for his behavior and continues to claim innocence, despite being convicted on all charges.”