Dr Liam McDaid issued a statement on the current situation regarding Canon John McCabe
THERE was shock and disbelief among parishioners in Roslea when they were informed at Masses at the weekend that their parish priest, Canon John McCabe was standing down while a child safeguarding allegation against him is investigated.
One parishioner said Canon McCabe was very well liked.
“He came to us from Castleblayney, and this last few years he hasn’t been in great form. He kept very privately to himself.”
Local councillor, Brian McCaffrey told the Herald were, ‘still raw memories’ of the Fr Jeremiah McGrath affair. He was convicted in 2007 at Liverpool Crown Court of facilitating a child sex offence, and subsequently jailed. He was priest in Roslea at the time.
It is not clear whether it is the PSNI or the Garda who are investigating the child safeguarding allegation against Canon McCabe.
He previously served as curate in Aghadrumsee and Castleblayney.
The bishop of Clogher, Dr Liam McDaid, in a statement, said: “The diocese of Clogher has been informed of a child safeguarding allegation in relation to a priest of the diocese. The allegation relates to some years ago.
“The allegation has been reported to the civil authorities and all procedures laid down by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland are being observed.
“The priest involved has been granted temporary leave of absence from priestly ministry while the matter is being investigated. The safety and well-being of children remain of paramount concern to the Diocese and all resources are being used to ensure this.”
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