Editorial: Waterford owes Kenneally survivors a debt of gratitude for their tireless pursuit of justice
Kenneally survivors, Jason Clancy, Paul Walsh, Colin Power and Kevin Keating, with Waterford News and Star journalist Darragh Murphy this week following the publication of the South East Commission of Investigation. Photo: Joe Evans
These are the words of Jason Clancy. Jason was one of the many boys targetted and abused by Bill Kenneally. Their courage stands head and shoulders above the actions of all those who were in a position to do something, and didn't.
The roll call of those who were in a position to change the course of this predator's reign of horror, to stop it in its tracks, is staggering, and frightening.
The Gardaí - Acting Chief Superintendent Sean Cashman and Acting Superintendent PJ Hayes. The male Garda at the desk the day a 14-year-old victim of Kenneally's walked into the station on his own in 1985 and named Kenneally. He was sent away with absolutely no follow-up.
Cashman was informed in 1987 of abuse allegations. Kenneally was interviewed by Cashman and Hayes. He admitted to the abuse but no further investigation occurred.
His house was never searched. Material that existed was not seized. The South East Commission of Investigation's report is damning in its finding that Kenneally could have been arrested. His house could have been searched. Polaroid photos would have been found.
The politicians knew. Bill Kenneally Snr. Brendan Kenneally. Bill Kenneally Jnr was considered for a Fianna Fáil City Council seat in 1992, that would have led to the position of Mayor of Waterford, but "skeletons in his cupboard" put him and the party off. The reputation of the party was being considered in the early 1990s. But what about the boys? What about the Waterford boys' lives, all irrevocably destroyed?
De La Salle College knew. The South Eastern Health Board knew. The Church knew. Monsignor John Shine. Brother Columba Gallagher. Dr Geraldine Nolan.
We state the names because the dereliction of duty ends now. It is imperative that it is called out.
The report might find that there was no state collusion, but as Jason Clancy says, there was localised state collusion.
It is hard not to be angry when putting the editorial together for this edition of the Waterford News & Star. The editorial is a place for balanced, considered coverage. But Waterford city and county should be angry, on behalf of all of these men. On behalf of the boys let down so badly.
The boys whose childhoods were violently robbed from them. The boys who grew into adults and have fought for decades for justice, on behalf of their younger selves, on behalf of every Waterford child.
Adults have a responsibility. We are the guardians of our young people, whether they are our children, our relatives, in our schools, our sports clubs, our communities. We hold the watch.
These terrorised, brutalised, frightened young people were coming forward from almost the start of Kenneally's horrific abuse. They were trying to protect themselves. They were trying to protect their peers, even when they could barely comprehend the horrific depth of the crimes being perpetrated against them.
We write their story this week in detail to keep account. We write to pay respect to their pain, and to acknowledge their tremendous service in following this road to justice.
It is now over to the Government to truly recognise and honour their truth with a State Apology, and for the Taoiseach to step up, frankly, more wholeheartedly in giving this the proper attention it deserves.
We will finish this Editorial with the words of Jason Clancy, on behalf of all the victims; their voice is more important than any other. We wish them the very best going forward.
