Man told by gardaí he was 'too young' in 1985 to report his abuse 'finally feels listened to'

The state report into Kenneally’s abuse details “a missed opportunity” to act when the then 14-year-old was told his report couldn’t be pursued.

THE MAN WHO, as a 14-year-old boy, reported to gardaí in 1985 that he had been sexually abused by Bill Kenneally has said that he finally feels listened to with the publication of report of the state inquiry into the paedophile’s abuse.

The report into how the State responded to horrific allegations surrounding Kenneally, published on Tuesday, found that there was “a missed opportunity” to act in 1985 after the boy walked into a garda station and reported he had been sexually assaulted by the former basketball coach.

The teenager was told that he was too young to make a statement and no steps were taken to contact his parents or bring him home.

The report also detailed further missed opportunities to halt the abuse, including in late 1987 when Kenneally was interviewed by gardaí. No prosecution was pursued at that point either, and instead arrangements were made by relatives of the paedophile for him to be referred to a psychiatrist.

Speaking to The Journal, the man, who is now in his 50s, said:

“For four decades I have lived with the memory of being a 14-year-old boy who tried to speak up and was not listened to.

“Today, after reading the report, I realise that that 14-year-old was incredibly brave.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult road for all affected and today reading the report I realise that if I had been listened to, many children could have been rescued.

“It’s now time for us men and our families to move forward and know that finally we have been heard.”

Barry Murphy, another survivor of Kenneally’s abuse, told reporters on Tuesday that what “kept me awake all night last night” was that Kenneally could have been stopped far sooner.

“If our fellow victim had been taken seriously in 1985 we would not be sitting here and our lives wouldn’t have been ruined for 30 years and, you know, that has to hit home.”

The report also found that the failure of two senior Waterford gardaí to conduct a proper investigation into the activities of Kenneally amounted to “a clear and serious dereliction of duty” even by the standards of the late 1980s.

Survivors of Kenneally’s abuse have called for a state apology.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said he will reflect on the findings of the report.

“I want to acknowledge the bravery of the victims of Bill Kenneally and thank them for their perseverance and strength in seeking truth and accountability,” O’Callaghan said.