THOMAS “TOSSY” NYHAN FROM CROOKSTOWN CONVICTED OF RAPE IN LIMERICK

A man who endured the harrowing experience of being raped twice by someone he had known for many years has publicly expressed that words cannot adequately describe the depth of his suffering. Thomas “Tossy” Nyhan, aged 60 and residing in Crookstown, County Cork, was found guilty following a trial held at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick last May. Nyhan, a married farmer with four children and no prior criminal record, faced two counts of rape, both involving the same victim. The incidents took place in January 2011 and April 2019, spanning over eight years of alleged abuse.

The victim, whose impact statement was read aloud by prosecutor Fionnuala O’Sullivan SC, detailed the profound trauma inflicted upon him. He described the assaults as “cold, calculated and violent,” emphasizing that Nyhan was fully aware of his actions. The victim stated, “He raped me twice... It was cold, calculated and violent – he knew what he was doing – and eight years later he did it again.” During the attacks, Nyhan reportedly spoke about his children, a detail that the victim described as “twisted and inhumane,” highlighting the disturbing nature of the abuse.

Feeling overwhelmed and unable to carry the emotional burden, the victim confided in his general practitioner about the second assault. This disclosure prompted him to report both incidents to the authorities. Throughout the ordeal, he described feeling constantly watched and trapped, likening himself to “a ghost of the man he used to be.” He conveyed a sense of brokenness and profound loneliness, urging others who have suffered similar abuse to seek help and to speak out about their experiences.

During the court proceedings, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring commended the victim’s impact statement as “powerful” and indicated that she would take into account the full extent of the trauma when determining the appropriate sentence. As a result of the conviction, Nyhan’s bail was revoked, and he was remanded in custody. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 21, with the judge indicating that she expects to reconvene in Limerick for the proceedings.