Sex abuse accusers sue school

A NUMBER of men who claim they were sexually abused as children by a former teacher and rugby coach at a fee-paying south Dublin school are suing for damages.

Earlier this month, Terenure College, which is run by the Carmelite Order, apologised unreservedly to the victims and abuse survivors for failing them.

Its former rugby coach, John McClean, 75, of Casimir Avenue, Harold’s Cross, had pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on November 2 to 27 charges of indecent assault.

The charges, for which he was due to stand trial, related to the sexual abuse of 23 schoolboys at Terenure College in the 1970s and 1980s.

In a statement, the school said: ‘On behalf of Terenure College and the Carmelite Order, we apologise unreservedly to the victims and survivors of abuse who suffered while under our care in our school. We are sincerely sorry for the breach of trust and for the pain and suffering those affected by the abuse endured. We know that no apology can ever be sufficient.

‘The criminal acts of abuse by John McClean, a former teacher, meant that innocent children were profoundly harmed. As school management and Carmelites, we acknowledge and deeply regret that we failed these children entrusted to our care.’

McClean’s sentencing will take place next March over the course of two days, with some of the complainants expected to give victim-impact statements.

In the meantime, four men are now taking civil cases against both McClean and the school. According to High Court records, two were filed in September last year. These are being taken against McClean, the school’s board of management and the Irish Carmelite Order.

A third was issued against the same defendants on November 18 this year, following the guilty plea.

A fourth was issued on November 9, against McClean, the school’s board of management, the Minister for Education and the State. No hearing dates have yet been listed for the cases.