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'Good Catholic Ireland, what I was doing to his wife': complainant tells jury of 'panic and shame' after alleged abuse by sports coach

Summary

A woman described being in a state of panic and shame after allegedly being abused by a former sports coach in the 1970s and 1980s. The complainant, now 79, testified in the Central Criminal Court that she felt ashamed of her behavior and was confused about what she was doing to the coach's wife. The defendant, who cannot be named, is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls, with the complainant detailing incidents of inappropriate touching and abuse. The second complainant described being touched by the defendant in her bedroom and at a sports facility, expressing feelings of shame and confusion. The defense argued that the abuse occurred only in the office and that the complainant may have been consenting. The prosecution emphasized the prolonged nature of the abuse and the impact on the complainant's life. Additional witnesses, including the complainant's school friends, testified about the abuse and the lack of support from adults. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of consent and diminished responsibility. The unnamed 79-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Good Catholic Ireland, what I was doing to his wife': complainant tells jury of 'panic and shame' after alleged abuse by sports coach. Charges or matters: 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s; 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 1976 Incident
• 1971 and 1981 Incident
• 1975 and 1977 Incident
• 1971 and 1975 Incident
• 1980 and 1981 Incident
• 2026-06-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report