The Catholic Church yesterday apologised to a priest's rape victim for the abuse she suffered.
The Bishop of Raphoe, Dr Philip Boyce, offered his "personal sympathy" to the unnamed woman who was 13 years old when twice raped by Fr Daniel Doherty at his sacristy in Co Donegal. Doherty was jailed two days ago for seven years for the rapes and two other indecent assault offences in 1984 and 1985.
Mr Justice Philip O'Sullivan said at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin that a complaint to the girl's teachers did not result in a proper investigation by the school and gardaí were not contacted until she made her formal allegation 18 years later.
Dr Boyce said in yesterday's statement: "As soon as the allegation was received, prompt measures were taken to report it to the bishop under whom he served and to the civil authorities. He was forthwith removed from all priestly ministry."
The bishop added: "I am deeply saddened and shocked by the harm and suffering caused by child sexual abuse of which Fr Danny Doherty, a priest of the Diocese of Raphoe, was found guilty.
"Fr Doherty has been serving as a priest abroad and has not served in any parish of our diocese during the past 15 years.
"I offer my personal sympathy to all who have suffered, especially to the victim, to the victim's family and to all families who are affected." Doherty (48) denied the offences. His family said he intends going on hunger strike to protest his innocence.