For 40 years or more Mr Alan Carroll, Mr Joe O'Driscoll and their fellow ex-Lota resident had borne the dark and secret scars of being abused and threatened and bullied in Lota. But through their testimonies their hurt, anger and courage shone through, determined as they were to have their say.
After the case, they had mixed views of Judge A.G. Murphy's decision to sentence Kelly to 36 years, albeit with a review in 18 months' time.
Mr Carroll was pleased that the judge had recognised the damaging effect of the abuse. "I was pleased with the judge's sentence. He was severe, and that was the proper approach to take in this case," he said. He hoped the case would encourage others who suffered similar abuse to come forward.
"I want to see justice done in this country and I want to see people who suffered at the hands of the religious orders come forward. I would encourage anyone who has been abused to come forward and stand with us and not be afraid any more." But Mr O'Driscoll admitted he remains bitter. "I'll carry a chip on my shoulder for the rest of my life. I'm glad that bastard has been jailed, but they should throw away the key and let him stay there."
Their fellow victim, who did not wish to be named, was satisfied that justice had finally been done. "I've been living with this for 40 years. I'll put it like this: I will sleep better tonight," he said.
All three men praised Sgt Senan Ryan and his team for their thorough and sensitive handling of the investigation, while Mr Carroll and the anonymous victim also praised RTE's States of Fear programme which featured Lota.