Priest Is Cleared of 'Incredible Allegation'

By Terry Conlon
Irish Independent
October 21, 2012

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/priest-is-cleared-of-incredible-allegation-3266358.html

A 67-YEAR-OLD Co Louth Catholic priest, who was the subject of a child-protection allegation, has been cleared after over two years to return to active ministry.

Father Oliver Brennan voluntarily stepped down immediately as parish priest of Blackrock and Haggardstown in August 2010 when the allegation was made.

The finding of the garda investigation was that the "allegations were totally lacking in credibility". Similarly, the church inquiry concluded last Friday that the allegations were "fabricated and have not been substantiated".

At a special Mass last night in Blackrock, near Dundalk, Co Louth, Fr Brennan. was reinstated. He is expected to be given a full apology by the church.

"My life has been on hold for two-and-a-half years," Fr Brennan said. "I'm glad this ordeal has ended. I'm looking forward to restarting my life in active ministry."