Galway: The remains of former Bishop of Galway, Eamonn Casey, have been quietly removed from the crypt of Galway Cathedral, the Diocese of Galway has confirmed. The removal, carried out by church officials, comes in the wake of renewed scrutiny and public criticism surrounding historical allegations of sexual abuse against the late bishop.
While the diocese did not specify the exact date of the removal or the new burial location, it stated that Bishop Casey’s remains were returned to his family with their consent and cooperation, following prayers for the deceased.
Church Response to Public Concern
The decision follows mounting public concern and criticism over the Catholic Church’s handling of allegations against Bishop Casey. A statement from the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora acknowledged that the continued presence of the bishop’s remains in the cathedral crypt had caused significant distress for many people, including survivors of clerical abuse.
“This decision was made with pastoral sensitivity and after extensive reflection,” the statement noted, thanking the faithful and community members who contributed to the decision-making process.
Former Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, described the move as “thoughtful and sensible,” though he had not attended Bishop Casey’s funeral in 2017.
Renewed Scrutiny After RTE Documentary
Public reaction intensified following the broadcast of Bishop Casey’s Secrets by RTÉ last year. The documentary featured an interview with Patricia Donovan, Bishop Casey’s niece, who alleged that he had sexually abused her from the age of five. She questioned the appropriateness of burying someone accused of such crimes in a sacred space, a sentiment echoed by callers on RTÉ’s Liveline programme and in public opinion polls.
Although Bishop Casey consistently denied the allegations and was never criminally convicted, the documentary prompted Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to instruct the Garda National Protective Services Bureau to re-examine the original case file. The review did not lead to further action.
Vatican’s Disciplinary Action
In 2007, the Vatican officially removed Bishop Casey from public ministry following allegations of child sexual abuse. However, the Church did not publicly disclose this decision at the time. Bishop Casey died in 2017 and was subsequently interred beneath Galway Cathedral. Notably, senior Church officials, including the papal nuncio and other high-ranking clergy, were absent from his funeral.
The diocese has stated that the new location of Bishop Casey’s remains will not be disclosed, in order to respect the privacy of his family.
William Gorey, a spokesperson for the Residential Institutions Survivors Network (RISN), said the removal of Bishop Casey’s remains has resurfaced painful memories for many survivors of institutional abuse. While some viewed the action as a step toward accountability, others found the renewed media attention distressing.
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