Dan Duane Rte.ie Rte.ie

A FORMER CATHOLIC priest, who was ejected from his ministry over claims regarding the abuse of minors, has had his appeal against that ejection overruled.

Bishop of Cloyne William Crean confirmed that former priest Dan Duane has had his submission to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith rejected.

No further appeal can be made in this regard according to Bishop Crean.

Duane was dismissed from his clerical state in January following a canonical trial for the crime of abusing minors.

“I would like to reiterate what I said in January, namely, ‘I am most grateful to the survivors of abuse who had the courage to come forward to tell their stories. This has been a long and painful process for all involved’,” said Bishop Crean today.

At this time, I wish to reassure the people of the Diocese of Cloyne that comprehensive child safeguarding measures are in place in the diocese and I thank the safeguarding representative in parishes in the diocese who are working to ensure that children’s welfare is protected in all church activities.

Duane was cleared of criminal charges of child abuse but nevertheless was dismissed by the church.

Numerous accusations of abuse against Duane were made to gardaí but just two made it to trial, both of which led to the Mallow man being cleared.

In September it emerged that Duane continued to celebrate mass privately in his home after being dismissed from the priesthood. That revelation led to the resignation of the designated liaison person for the Diocese of Cloyne.

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