LOCAL priest Fr Brian D’Arcy recalls how he “trembled in fear” and felt “ashamed” after he was abused by a religious Brother during his childhood, as he reflects on his life on his 80th birthday.
The Bellanaleck cleric, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday in Croke Park, while Fermanagh beat Wexford in the Tailteann Cup, has spoken about how his abuse ordeal impacted on his life.
“I became his lunchtime recreation. I often trembled in fear. I didn’t understand what happened to me, but I knew I was no longer an innocent boy from Bellanaleck,” he said in the ‘Irish Independent’.
“I should have told my parents, but I was too ashamed. I was hampered by needless guilt.
“When he finished with me, he dismissed me with a pat on the head. He went on to teach his class and I felt dirty, rotten and fearful.
“Even though I did nothing…
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