Courts / Ireland / Report

GAA coach fails in bid to challenge CFA finding that he is a risk to children

Summary

The High Court refused to allow a GAA coach to challenge a 2013 finding by the Child and Family Agency (CFA) that he poses a risk to children. The coach, who cannot be named, had previously sought to overturn the CFA's decision after an investigation into an allegation that he sexually abused a girl aged six to sixteen. He denied the claims and appealed the finding, but the appeal has not yet been heard. In December he initiated High Court proceedings, arguing that the investigation process was fundamentally flawed and that the finding would damage his reputation. The court rejected his application for judicial review, citing the lack of a sworn statement from the coach himself and the requirement that such statements be made personally. The judge noted that the case is nearly three and a half years old and that the CFA has not taken steps to mitigate any risks. The coach had voluntarily stopped coaching underage players.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: GAA coach fails in bid to challenge CFA finding that he is a risk to children. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• 1979 and 1989 Incident
• 2016-02-15 Publication

Why: In his ruling on Monday, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys said he was refusing to grant the man leave to bring proceedings against the CFA because the man did not provide a sworn statement grounding his application. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report