Wexford Saddened by Death of Fr. Sweetman

Wexford People
March 14, 2012

http://www.wexfordpeople.ie/news/wexford-saddened-by-death-of-fr-sweetman-3049975.html

The late Fr. John Sweetman, who died yesterday (Tuesday).

THE TRAGIC death on Tuesday of Wexford priest Fr. John Sweetman has shocked parishioners throughout the Diocese of Ferns.

Fr. Sweetman, who stepped down as parish priest in Riverchapel last year following an allegation of sexual abuse, died yesterday morning.

Medical assistance was summoned to Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre in Blackwater, where he was staying for a few days.

He was brought by ambulance to Wexford General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Fr. Sweetman, a native of Carrig-on-bannow who was ordained from Maynooth in 1978, stepped aside from active priestly duties last May.

The move followed an allegation made against him to the gardai by a woman from the Wexford area.

The complaint related to an alleged offence in the 1980s when Fr. Sweetman was aged in his twenties.

The priest, who was one of four Vicars Forane in the Diocese, told his congregation at the time that the accusation was completely unfounded.

He said he was obliged to step down from clerical duties until the necessary investigation was complete.

Fr. Jim Butler, parish priest of nearby Ballygarrett, was appointed administrator of Riverchapel in his absence.

The local community was stunned by Fr. Sweetman's departure from the North Wexford parish where he had served as a popular parish priest since 2006.

His tragic death this week, ten months after that shock announcement, has been greeted with deep sadness throughout the diocese.

Fr. Sweetman, who was 58, served in Australia for three years following his ordination.

He was well known in Wexford and Enniscorthy where he also ministered as a priest for many years.