Victim Awarded £170,000 in Priest Abuse Settlement at St Colman's College
A former pupil of St Colman's College in Newry has been awarded £170,000 in damages following a settlement in a High Court action over historic abuse. The case involved allegations against the late Fr Malachy Finegan, highlighting continued legal and institutional reckoning within the Diocese of Dromore and the school.
Settlement Details
The 57-year-old man, known as CA, reached a settlement with the Diocese of Dromore and the Board of Governors at St Colman's College. The agreement includes £170,000 in damages and a formal written apology from Archbishop Eamon Martin, head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, although there is no admission of liability from either defendant. The abuse allegedly occurred between 1979 and 1985 when Fr Finegan was a teacher and later president at the school.
- Damages Awarded: £170,000
- Formal Apology: To be provided by Archbishop Eamon Martin
- No Admission of Liability: Settlement reached without admission of fault
The Victim's Ordeal
CA stated that he was groomed and sexually abused by Fr Finegan, who was entrusted with the pastoral care of students. The abuse, according to CA, caused lasting trauma, including anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He expressed that the ordeal "almost cost me my marriage and family," underscoring the devastating impact of the abuse. The solicitor representing CA, Claire McKeegan of Phoenix Law, confirmed the details of the settlement.
"Malachy Finegan took a vulnerable boy at a vulnerable time in my life, groomed me and then abused me for his own pleasure." - CA
Institutional Response and Further Legal Action
The Board of Governors at St Colman's College had previously condemned the abuse inflicted by Finegan. However, CA and others have expressed concerns about the lack of decisive action taken at the time the abuse was occurring. Fr Finegan died in 2002 without ever facing prosecution or police questioning. Four other legal actions related to Finegan's abuse have been adjourned until later in the week, suggesting ongoing legal challenges and a continued pursuit of justice for victims.
Broader Implications and Historical Context
This case is part of a larger reckoning in Ireland concerning the Catholic Church's handling of abuse allegations. Past investigations have revealed widespread cover-ups and a prioritization of the institution's reputation over the welfare of children. Settlements like this provide some measure of redress but cannot fully compensate for the psychological harm suffered by survivors. The case highlights the importance of vigilance, transparency, and compassion in institutions entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals.