In a landmark case that has sent ripples through Ireland’s Catholic community, a 57-year-old man known only as CA has been awarded £170,000 in damages following a harrowing legal battle over historic abuse by a notorious paedophile priest. The settlement, reached at the High Court in Belfast, marks another chapter in the long and painful saga surrounding the late Fr Malachy Finegan, a former teacher and president at St Colman’s College in Newry, whose legacy has become synonymous with betrayal and institutional failure.
According to BBC News, CA’s ordeal began during his years as a pupil at St Colman’s College between 1979 and 1985. During this time, Fr Finegan, who was entrusted with the pastoral care of students, allegedly groomed and sexually abused him under the guise of mentorship and support. The abuse, CA later revealed, left indelible scars—haunting him with anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) well into adulthood. “I’ve suffered high levels of anxiety, nightmares and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and it almost cost me my marriage and family,” CA said outside court, as reported by BBC News.
The legal action targeted both the Diocese of Dromore and the Board of Governors at St Colman’s College, alleging that they had failed in their duty to protect students from the predatory actions of Fr Finegan. While the settlement includes a substantial payment and a formal apology, it notably does not involve any admission of liability by either defendant. Solicitor Claire McKeegan of Phoenix Law, who represented CA, confirmed, “The terms of the settlement include a payment of £170,000 in damages.” She further disclosed that her client would receive a written apology from Archbishop Eamon Martin, the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, on behalf of the Diocese of Dromore.
Fr Malachy Finegan, who died in 2002, was never prosecuted or even questioned by police regarding the mounting allegations of child sexual abuse. This absence of accountability has fueled public outrage and left many victims, including CA, grappling with unanswered questions. “Malachy Finegan took a vulnerable boy at a vulnerable time in my life, groomed me and then abused me for his own pleasure,” CA stated following the settlement, echoing a sentiment shared by many survivors of clerical abuse. He added, “I’m able to move on, but I’m left with questions on so many levels about why no action was taken to stop Finegan at the time.”
The Board of Governors at St Colman’s College has previously condemned the “physical, sexual and emotional abuse” inflicted by Finegan, acknowledging the grave harm done to students during his tenure. Yet, for many, these words ring hollow in the absence of decisive action during the years when the abuse was taking place. As BBC News reported, it was only in 2018—more than a decade after Finegan’s death—that the Diocese of Dromore publicly confirmed it had settled a previous claim made by one of his alleged victims.
For CA, the consequences of the abuse extended far beyond the school gates. He described how the trauma “almost cost me my marriage and family,” a stark reminder that the impact of such crimes can reverberate through generations. The sense of betrayal is compounded by what CA described as the “appalling” treatment of victims, who for years struggled to have their voices heard and their suffering acknowledged. “Victims of the priest had been treated appallingly,” he said, underscoring the institutional failures that allowed abuse to persist unchecked.
The legal proceedings, presided over by Mr Justice Rooney, concluded with the action being stayed on agreed terms, including payment of the plaintiff’s legal costs. The settlement, while significant, is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Four other legal actions related to Finegan’s campaign of abuse were adjourned until later in the week, suggesting that the reckoning over his crimes is far from over.
The case has reignited debate in Ireland over the Catholic Church’s handling of abuse allegations, particularly those involving powerful figures like Fr Finegan. Despite repeated accusations and mounting evidence, Finegan was never brought to justice during his lifetime—a fact that continues to haunt survivors and erode public trust in church institutions. The Diocese of Dromore’s decision to offer a written apology may be seen as a step toward accountability, but for many, it is too little, too late.
Historical context adds further weight to this case. The Catholic Church in Ireland, once a pillar of social and moral authority, has been rocked by a series of abuse scandals over the past three decades. Investigations have revealed widespread cover-ups, with church officials often prioritizing the institution’s reputation over the welfare of children. These revelations have led to a dramatic decline in church attendance and trust, as well as sweeping reforms aimed at preventing future abuse. Yet, stories like CA’s serve as a sobering reminder of the damage inflicted by past failings—and the long road to healing that still lies ahead.
Legal experts note that settlements such as this, while offering some measure of redress, cannot fully compensate for the psychological and emotional toll of abuse. The absence of criminal proceedings against Finegan leaves many survivors feeling that justice has not truly been served. Still, the public acknowledgment of wrongdoing and the awarding of damages represent important steps in validating victims’ experiences and encouraging others to come forward.
Meanwhile, the pending legal actions related to Finegan’s abuse suggest that the Diocese of Dromore and St Colman’s College may face further scrutiny in the months ahead. Each new case brings with it the possibility of additional revelations—and the hope that, at long last, those who suffered in silence will receive the recognition and support they deserve.
As Ireland continues to grapple with the legacy of clerical abuse, the story of CA and Fr Malachy Finegan stands as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. It is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, transparency, and compassion in institutions entrusted with the care of the vulnerable. For CA and countless others, the journey toward healing is ongoing—but with each new disclosure, the barriers to justice grow a little weaker.
