GARDAÍ WILL NOT be taking any further investigative actions following a review of the original file on Bishop Eamonn Casey. 

The review was conducted by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) at the request of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in the wake of the documentary ‘Bishop Casey’s Secrets’ last year, in which Casey was described as a sexual predator. 

The programme examined the Catholic Church’s handling of abuse allegations made against Casey, who died in 2017 aged 87. Multiple allegations of child sex abuse were made against Casey.

The programme included an interview with his niece, Patricia Donovan, who claimed he first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years. 

Casey denied allegations of child sexual abuse made against him during his life, and though complaints were reported to An Garda Síochana, he was never charged with any sexual crimes. 

A garda spokesperson today confirmed that the following the GNSB review of the original investigation file on Casey, “no further investigative actions have been identified”. 

It comes after the remains of the disgraced Bishop were removed from the Cathedral crypt in Galway and were entrusted to the care of his family. 

The Galway Diocesan Office yesterday said that they would like to thank people for their understanding and patience while the process to decide what action should be carried out was underway. 

“Significant consensus emerged around the unique role of a Cathedral as a place of unity rather than division, healing rather than hurt and peace rather than disquiet,” the office said. 

The documentary on Casey also revealed how a six-figure settlement was paid by the Catholic Church to one complainant after Casey’s death, and that the Vatican had banned Casey from public ministry in 2007 following “allegations”.