GAA figure in sex abuse investigation

A LEADING GAA figure in Co Galway is under investigation by gardai following allegations of child sex abuse claimed to have about…

A LEADING GAA figure in Co Galway is under investigation by gardai following allegations of child sex abuse claimed to have about 13 years ago.

It was confirmed on Friday that a file on the matter is to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It is understood that a girl in her late teens has alleged she had been sexually abused on several occasions when aged about seven.

The man at the centre of the investigation was interviewed at Mill Street Garda station. He is understood to have denied the allegations.

READ MORE

He is the second person in evolved in the GAA in Co Galway to be investigated by gardai within the past month in relation to sex abuse allegations.

Another man has been questioned following allegations he abused boys 10 years ago. Gardai have taken statements from alleged victims, but a file has yet to be completed.

The man at the centre of the latest investigation is a long serving and prominent member of the GAA, and the woman who made the allegations is believed to be a relative.

A Garda spokesman confirmed that "a number of people have yet to be interviewed" before the file is sent to the DPP.

Meanwhile, a GAA club in Galway city is at the centre of allegations that some of its former under aged team members were sexually and physically abused some years ago.

A number of people now in their late teens and early 20s have claimed they were abused during club activities.

A letter outlining details of some of the alleged incidents was discussed at a meeting of club officers. Gardai, however, said they had received no complaint.