The former Principal of Moyasta National School has been described as a “vicious wolf lying in wait” to abuse children as his victims outlined their ordeal ahead of his sentencing in court.
80 year old Patrick Barry of Well Rd, Kilkee was found guilty on 59 counts of indecent assault against 11 primary school girls over a 21 year period from 1964 and 1985 at his trial before Ennis Circuit Court last July.
Statements from 8 of Patrick Barry’s abuse victims were delivered to the court in Ennis, four victims read their own – with one now middle aged woman –describing the terror of having to go to Moyasta National School as a little girl.
She said Barry was “like a vicious wolf lying in wait to take complete advantage of my innocence, terrorising and molesting me daily for years”
One victim stated that her own children subsequently attended the school but she could never explain to them the “degradation that impacted on their mother and aunties”, through “what went on in the senior room”
Another victim said Barry “took away my childhood, my innocence and my trust in adults”, leaving me feeling “ashamed, dirty and guilty
Patrick Barry sat impassive in the dock and there was no apology offered through his counsel to the victims.
A testimonial was read out from Ennis-based Church of Ireland clergyman, Canon Bob Hanna who said he knew “Padraig de Barra for 20 years” and he would have been the last person one would have thought to be involved in any act that would hurt a child, adding the view that Mr. Barry “has pioneered a true ecumenical spirit around Kilkee and Kilrush.
Judge Gerald Keyes adjourned the case to next Wednesday to fix a date for sentence.
