The Irish Mail on Sunday

‘My life was ruined by attending that school’

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SURVIVOR 2

AGE: 63. Sent to St Augustine’s aged eight.

HIS STORY: Brother Aidan allegedly took his trousers down to beat him violently. He was later sent to another St John of God institutio­n as punishment and because of this missed out on an education.

HE SAYS: ‘I should have been in school but they wouldn’t teach me. I just worked in the workshop. My biggest regret is that I didn’t get an education.’

SURVIVOR 3

AGE:

57. Sent to St Augustine’s aged 11 with his younger brother (Survivor 4). HIS STORY:

Was allegedly sexually abused by Brother Aidan in the early 1970s in the principal’s office and in the priory at St Augustine’s. Was also abused by others at the school.

HE SAYS:

‘My life was ruined by St Augustine’s. I am a heavy drinker and do not have anywhere to live. I sleep on a relative’s couch. Like my brother, I have tried to kill myself. The way I control it is drink… I don’t think I could ever give up. It keeps you together.’

SURVIVOR 4

AGE: 56. Sent to St Augustine’s aged 10 with his older brother (Survivor 3). HIS STORY: ‘Brother Aidan did things to me that I can’t talk about.’ Was also abused by others. HE SAYS:

‘My marriage broke down. I have never told my wife or children about what happened to me in St Augustine’s. ‘What happened to me ruined my life. I became suicidal. I tried three times. I have the scars from that on my wrists. Once I jumped off Bray Bridge.’

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