The Rundle case: How it unfolded

Irish Times
January 29, 2003

1963-1976: Father Thomas Naughton is ordained as a member of St Patrick's Missionary Order, Kiltegan and serves in Nigeria and Grenada.

1976: He is appointed curate at Aughrim Street in Dublin.

1980: He is appointed curate at Valleymount in west Wicklow.

1983: Parents in Valleymount express concern about his behaviour towards local boys. Auxiliary Bishop Donal Murray is informed. He contacts Father Naughton and the local parish priest, both of whom vehemently denied the allegations. Bishop Murray informs the then Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Dermot Ryan, about the parents' concerns.

1984: Mr John Brennan of Valleymount complains to the parish priest about Father Naughton's behaviour towards local boys, including his son. Later, in July, Father Naughton is moved to Donnycarney.

1985: Parents in Donnycarney become concerned about Father Naughton's behaviour towards boys, particularly the Rundle family. They met the diocesan chancellor Monsignor Alex Stenson in October about the matter.

November 1985: Father Naughton confirms the abuse to Monsignor Stenson.

January 1986: Father Naughton is sent to a Dublin psychiatrist for treatment. The psychiatrist is not informed by the archdiocese of all they know about the case. The psychiatrist feels there is no serious problem involved.

February 1986: Another Donnycarney abuse case comes to light. Father Naughton meets Archbishop Kevin McNamara.

August 1986: Father Naughton begins treatment at Stroud in England. He remains there until December, when he is appointed curate in Ringsend parish.

1988: Following reports of abuse of boys by the priest in Ringsend, he is removed from the parish to live with the St Patrick's order at its headquarters in Kiltegan where he is involved in caring for elderly members.

October 1995: The Rundle family and Church authorities contact gardai about the priest's abuse. The Garda are not told by the archdiocese all then known about the case. Mervyn Rundle began his civil action.

July 1998: The priest is sentenced to three years for abusing four boys. On appeal, the sentence is reduced to two and a half years.

January 2003: Settlement agreed with Mervyn Rundle. Father Naughton is in Kiltegan, caring for the sick and elderly.