Fund launched to help former PP convicted of defrauding diocese

Fund launched to help former PP convicted of defrauding diocese

24 April 2013

A CAMPAIGN is underway to raise money for former Loughinisland parish priest, Fr Conleth Byrne, who recently admitted defrauding the diocese of up to £145,000.

Ardglass woman Pat McVeigh is spearheading the move, and says a number of people are offering cash to help the 78 year-old pay off his debts ahead of his sentencing in May.

Pleading guilty at Downpatrick Crown Court earlier this month, Fr. Byrne had previously denied the charge of fraud by abuse of position, which saw him give 50 year-old Marie Hanna from the Ballycastle area up to £145,617. The payments were made in cash, obtained mostly through the cashing of cheques from the parish account.

He also gave the woman around £45,000 of his own money after she called at the parochial house following her release from prison claiming to be in “dire need”.

Downpatrick Crown Court heard Fr. Byrne believed Marie Hanna would pay the money back and there was a “high degree of naivety” involved as opposed to any more sinister explanation.

Ms. McVeigh, who got to know Fr. Byrne when he was curate to St. Colmcille’s School in Crossgar, said she had contacted the Down and Connor diocese which had agreed to accept the donations.

“I am delighted people have got in touch wanting to donate what they can,” she said. “I would just like to emphasise that the number of people who respond to the appeal is as important as the amount raised.

“I would urge people who knew Fr. Byrne while he was in this area, in Loughinisland, Ardglass, Killyleagh, to rally round now to support him in his hour of need. Please don’t leave it up to other people. Anyone reading this who knew Fr. Byrne, I ask them to make a donation, however small.”

Ms. McVeigh said she hoped the show of support would help at Fr. Byrne’s sentencing.

The former parish priest is now retired to Bethlehem Abbey, Portglenone.

Donations can be made c/o Fr. K. Whiteford PP, 58 Loughinisland Road, Loughinisland. BT30 8QH.