The sentencing hearing of former Terenure College teacher, Mr John McClean, has concluded in the Circuit Criminal Court.  John McClean pleaded guilty to 27 counts of indecently assaulting 23 former pupils between 1973 and 1990.

Over the course of the sentencing hearing, former pupils described how, as young boys and teenagers, they were sexually abused at our school.

Fr Éanna Ó hÓbáin, Principal of Terenure College, and Fr Michael Troy, Provincial of the Carmelite Order in Ireland, acknowledge the courage of the men who gave harrowing accounts to the court of the abuse they suffered. They recognise the devastating and long-lasting impact this has had on the lives of the victims and survivors and the lives of their families and friends.

Fr Ó hÓbáin and Fr Troy said that on behalf of Terenure College and the Carmelite Order they are deeply sorry and apologise unreservedly to the former pupils who were abused as young students. 

We understand that words of apology are never adequate when people have experienced so much pain and suffering over many years. These men were entrusted to our care when starting out in life - young boys full of hope, promise and joy. They had that hope and promise cruelly taken from them as a result of the sexual abuse perpetrated upon them by John McClean. Terenure College and the Carmelite Order failed in their duty to protect them and for this we are truly sorry. 

We wish to also acknowledge the suffering of the families of those who were abused as they learned of the gross violation of their son, brother, father, partner or husband while at our school.

Terenure College and the Carmelite Order are wholly committed to providing effective and meaningful support to former pupils who are victims and survivors of abuse.  We are available to anyone who wishes to contact us through the school or the Carmelite Safeguarding Office. They will have our full support. 

Terenure College and the Carmelite Order fully co-operate with the Gardai and all relevant authorities in Child Protection matters. 

As always, anyone who has any concerns regarding Child Safeguarding is encouraged to contact An Garda Síochána, Tusla the Child and Family Agency, or if they wish the school or the Carmelite Safeguarding Office.   

• Terenure College’s Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment documents can be found here on our school website https://www.terenurecollege.ie/index.php/policies

• The Department of Education Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 are applied in all activities within Terenure College.   

• The Carmelite Order fully complies with Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016 and works in accordance with the Children First Act 2015.    http://www.carmelites.ie/safeguarding.html

 

Éanna Ó hÓbáin, O.Carm., Principal, Terenure College

Michael Troy, O.Carm., Prior Provincial, Carmelite Order

 

Contact Details: Carmelite Safeguarding Office
Julie McCullough   
Designated Liaison Person                                                           
Tel: 01 298 4014
Email: DLP @gortmuire.com