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GAA coach found to be a risk to children remained coaching youngsters, High Court hears

Summary

A GAA coach has brought a High Court appeal challenging a 2013 finding by the Child and Family Agency (CFA) that he poses a risk to children. The appellant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, denies the alleged sexual abuse of a girl between 1979 and 1989, when she was aged between 6 and 16. Counsel stated that no prosecution was brought arising from the complaint, which was investigated by a social worker. The CFA subsequently made a finding that the man is a risk to children and that third parties should be informed. The appellant argues the investigation was fundamentally flawed, noting the social worker never interviewed the complainant and that full disclosure was not provided. He seeks orders quashing the 2013 finding and preventing further investigation. During the ex-parte application before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, the judge remarked it was "a bit odd" that the man remained coaching youngsters after the finding. The appellant gave an undertaking to cease coaching until the proceedings are heard. The application for permission to bring the challenge was adjourned to a date later this month, when it is to be heard in the presence of lawyers for the CFA.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: GAA coach found to be a risk to children remained coaching youngsters, High Court hears. Charges or matters: alleged sexual abuse of a girl between 1979 and 1989. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• 1979 and 1989 Incident
• 2015-12-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report