Irish leader issues "unreserved" State apology to paedophile Bill Kenneally’s victims
· IrishCentralThe former Waterford basketball coach died in jail last month. He was serving a 19-year sentence for the historic abuse of 15 young boys in Waterford at the time of his passing.
His death came just after the state published a report on the response of state agencies at the time he was accused of abusing a number of young boys in 1980s Waterford.
The report found that the Garda investigation of allegations against Kenneally was "unprofessional, inappropriate and rushed."
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Government Chief Whip Mary Butler acknowledged a cover-up by some of Kenneally’s relatives. These relatives were Fianna Fáil politicians.
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday afternoon, Taoiseach Micheál Martin apologized to Kenneally’s victims.
The Fianna Fáil leader conceded: "No words from Government can make up for the theft of childhood from so many young boys, for the appalling abuse they suffered, and the enormous trauma they have experienced in their lives as a result."
Mr Martin acknowledged the "harrowing" report from the South-East Commission of Investigation.
Solicitor for the victims, Darragh Mackin, speaks outside the Dail:
‘The crimes of Bill Kenneally were cruel and exploitative,’ the Taoiseach said, "He was intelligent, manipulative and an expert at grooming children by developing trust and affection, but also by using fear."
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The Taoiseach told Dáil Éireann of the "major failing" noting that "no words" could make up for the "theft of childhood from so many young boys."
He added: "But we must acknowledge the failings that led to these awful outcomes, in recognition of the horrific experiences, the bravery of his victims, and also to ensure that it can never happen again."
Paying homage to the victims, An Taoiseach said: "You waved your anonymity in order to ensure that the heinous crimes of Bill Kenneally were exposed and that other young boys were protected."
The leader went on to apologize before naming the men individually: "Jason Clancy, Paul Walsh, Kevin Keating, Colin Power, Barry Murphy, Simon O’Toole, and Gerard Mullane.
"There were also many other victims of Bill Kenneally who were witnesses before the Commission of Investigation and who wished to remain anonymous."
The Taoiseach noted "we fully understand and respect their wishes and to emphasize that we apologize to each of them."
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Bill Kenneally died in the early hours of Thursday, June 18 at the Midlands Prison. The 75-year-old is reported to have been suffering medical issues for a period of time.
A statement from The Irish Prison Service confirmed the death of an inmate, saying: "The Irish Prison Service can confirm that there was a death of a person in custody at Midlands Prison on 18 June 2026.
"All deaths in custody are investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspectors of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant."
Watch the RTE News report on the state's apology to Bill Kenneally's victims:
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* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.