DRCC credits courage of survivors after Gibney verdict

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has credited the courage of survivors "following a long and courageous journey to justice" following the guilty verdict of former swimming coach George Gibney.

Gibney was convicted of sexually abusing four young swimmers and the attempted rape of one of the girls in the 1970s and 1980s.

DRCC said it welcomed the verdict of the jury in the Central Criminal Court today in finding him guilty.

The organisation's Chief Executive Rachel Morrogh said it recognises the "long, painful and incredibly courageous journey to justice taken by his victims".

"George Gibney exploited children who demonstrated sporting excellence," she said.

"He abused, threatened and debased them. Like so many perpetrators of child sex abuse, he was hidden in plain sight, yet it has taken over 50 years for him to face justice."

Ms Morrogh thanked those in court, their supporters, the members of the justice system and "so many other people who have made today a reality".

She said the "powerful role" played by the podcasting team in Second Captains who created 'Where is George Gibney?', must be recognised.

She described it as a "dogged and painstakingly researched piece of radio which brought this issue to the public’s attention again in recent years, as well as all the remarkable survivors and allies who contributed to it".

"And to all the victims and survivors who weren’t in court today, and to those who may never go to court, to those who spoke out and to those who have yet to find the words, we hope this conviction offers comfort and vindication," she said.

"We want you to know that Dublin Rape Crisis Centre sees you, we believe you and we are here to support you, whenever you are ready."

Irish swimming lacked 'safeguarding structures' at the time, Swim Ireland says

Swim Ireland said its first thoughts are with the four women who came forward as complainants against Gibney and with "all survivors of abuse in swimming".

"We recognise their immense courage in coming forward and in seeing this case through to today's outcome, and we thank them for their resilience throughout a long and difficult process," it said.

Swim Ireland said Gibney's offences took place at a time when Irish swimming "lacked the governance and safeguarding structures that exist today".

"We are deeply saddened not only that these crimes occurred, but that it took so long for this case to reach a conclusion.

"The courage of survivors has been central to the transformation of our sport's safeguarding culture, with the implementation of the statutory 1998 Murphy Report recommendations, the establishment of Swim Ireland, and the safeguarding policies and procedures now embedded across the organisation," it said.

The statement added: "Today's verdicts serve as a reminder of the importance of Swim Ireland's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, and our commitment to create, protect and promote a culture that allows people to report safeguarding concerns, suspicions of abuse, or inappropriate conduct.

"We remain committed to ensuring that culture continues to evolve, and that anyone with a concern knows they will be heard and supported."

Swim Ireland said its supports remain available to the survivors in this case, and to "anyone else impacted by abuse in swimming".

The Swim Ireland 'Here to Listen’ section of its website details who to speak to and the supports available.

"These supports remain available to any survivor, family member, or member of the swimming community affected by this case, whether or not they have engaged with the legal process," Swim Ireland added.

Read more: George Gibney: Fall of a celebrated swimming coach