FURY AS PROBE AXED INTO PERV KENNEALLY
Fresh claims delay inquiry
Bill Kenneally VICTIMS of Ireland’s worst paedophile have been told an inquiry into claims the State covered up the horrific abuse has been shelved.
They had hoped the probe, promised last year, would finally expose the organisations which allegedly knew but did nothing about the decades of torture inflicted by depraved basketball coach Bill Kenneally.
But Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan yesterday said it can not proceed because of fresh allegations against the jailed pervert. One brave victim, Jason Clancy, told the Irish Mirror last night he and fellow survivors only learned of the decision through the media.
During his four years of hell in the 1980s, warped Kenneally blindfolded Jason, tied him to trees and sexually tortured him.
Ther 47-year-old said: “This is the biggest kick we have felt.
“Our lives and the lives of our families are on hold waiting for justice and this announcement just reinforces what we feared before – that the Department of Justice is happy to prolong this mental torment and suffering.”
The victims, all from Waterford, maintain gardai, members of Fianna Fail, health authorities and the Church knew of the abuse for years but didn’t stop it.
Despite the complaints made against him, Kenneally was only convicted in 2016 and sentenced to 14 years behind bars.
It is estimated he abused more than 100 boys. Yesterday, Minister Flanagan said: “The Government decided on May 30, 2017, to establish a commission of investigation.
“However, the legal issues that prevented the Commission from being established at this time related to additional complaints of sexual abuse received by An Garda Siochana.”
He added this may compromise court proceedings and jeopardise the rights of those having complaints investigated.