By Sarah Mac Donald - 01 April, 2014
Fr Eugene Boland
A parish priest in the Diocese of Derry who recently returned to ministry after three and a half years’ leave of absence following an allegation of abuse against him has resigned from his parish.
The announcement concerning Fr Eugene Boland was made at Masses in the parish of Cappagh (Killyclogher, Omagh) on Sunday by Fr Kevin McElhennon.
In a statement on Monday, Fr Francis Bradley, Diocesan Administrator for Derry, said that only two weeks ago Fr Boland returned to his parish and in the exercise of his priestly ministry, it had become clear that he was not ready.
Fr Bradley said he had accepted Fr Boland’s resignation with immediate effect.
Both civil and canonical processes examined the allegation made against the priest and acquitted him of charges of indecent assault. In 2012, a jury took an hour to clear him on five charges.
Over the period of time the priest was out of ministry he engaged in therapy to help him cope with what he was experiencing and to prepare him properly for a return to public ministry and interaction with the people again according to Fr Bradley.
His return to ministry followed professional advice that he was ready for this.
On Sunday, Fr Boland was embraced by family and friends in his parish church while 900 parishioners gathered to welcome him back.
The Mass was celebrated by diocesan administrator, Fr Francis Bradley.
However, according to Fr Bradley, “All too quickly, however, it has become clear to Fr Boland and diocesan authorities that he is not ready. For that reason, Fr Boland now needs more time for help and guidance in this regard and has been granted leave of absence from ministry.”
The diocesan administrator noted that as the parish has not had an active parish priest for a long period, though it had been cared for pastorally and administratively by the other clergy in the parish, the long term care of the people required that a new Parish Priest be appointed.
This will happen in due course, he said.
He acknowledged that the situation was “understandably” for many people “very confusing”.
He concluded by saying that it is hoped that in dealing with this carefully and promptly, the needs of both the Parish of Cappagh and Fr Boland will be addressed appropriately.
Fr Boland told the Irish Independent that it had been difficult for him.
“It’s been very tough and I’m taking a leave of absence,” he said on Sunday evening.
