Retired Garda calls for investigation

Published Date: 22 December 2009
By Staff reporter

A RETIRED garda, who investigated one of the country's most notorious paedophile priests, has called for a commission of investigation into the Raphoe Diocese to be established as a matter of urgency.
Martin Ridge said a commission would finally uncover the extent of the damage perpetrated by former priest, Eugene Greene, who was moved between eight different parishes over a 30-year period before finally being convicted in 2000.

He was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to 41 sample charges against 26 victims, some as young as seven and many of whom were altar boys.

"We need a similar commission of investigation here. Why should the people of Dublin or Ferns be more important than the people of Raphoe," said Mr Ridge.

The Bishop of Raphoe, Dr Philip Boyce, who previously admitted there had been "rumours" about Eugene Greene when he took up office in 1995, said recently he would welcome a commission going into the Raphoe diocese.

"I would welcome anything that would help in any way to protect children," he told Highland Radio.

His horrific crimes came to light only after he approached gardai complaining that someone was attempting to blackmail him