A CO KILKENNY priest falsely accused of child abuse has returned to his parish after taking leave of absence while the matter was investigated.
The Church of the Assumption in Mooncoin was full on Saturday night as Fr Peter Muldowney returned to say Mass for the first time since September 24th, 2011, when he asked for leave.
He was assisted in the Mass by his bishop, Dr Séamus Freeman, who welcomed the Kilmanagh native back to the parish.
Addressing parishioners, Fr Muldowney thanked them for their support and invited everyone back to the parochial house. He received a round of applause from the congregation.
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He said Mass on Sunday morning at 10am in St Kevin’s Church, Carrigeen, where he received a round of applause from parishioners.