One in Four has praised the victims of former Moyasta National School Principal for coming forward about the abuse they suffered.
The organisation which supports victims of sexual abuse says their courage lets others know they are not alone.
It comes as the Ennis Cleric who wrote a testimonial on behalf of the convicted paedophile Patrick Barry told Clare FM his favourable character reference for the Kilkee man was not a defence of his crimes
Canon Bonb Hanna nknew Patrick Barry and his family for 20 years and though he told Clare FM he accepts his conviction and sentence handed down by the court he said he was left in a difficult position
Barry of Well Road, Kilkee began an 11 year jail sentece on Wednesday with the final five years supended on the grounds of his age and his health.
He was convicted of 59 counts of sexual assault against 11 former pupils between 1964 and 1985 – a jury found that he had molested and terrosied girls between the ages of 9 and 13 on a daily basis, robbing them of their childhood innocence
Patrick Barry still denies the crimes and has shown no remorse, but in a testimonial given before sentencing Canon Bob Hanne described him as a spiritual man – he said Padraig de Barra would have been the last person one would have thought to be involved in any act that would hurt or offend a child and said The image presented by the conviction was a shocking aberration from the generally held picture of a genial, courteous and fulfilled retired professional man whose erudition in local history and culture and church music would make him forever engaged and an enthusiastic neighbour to all.
As Victims said they were disrurbed by his testimonial and the Church of Ireland Hirerarchy queried his actions, Canon Bob Hanna said he didn't wish to defend Patrick Barry but was placed is a difficult position.
Canon Hanna also expressed his sympathy to Patrick Barrys vicitms and said he would hope to offer his condolences in person.
Following Wednesday's sentencing One in Four has praised the women who gave evidence of the abuse they suffered at the hands of barry to Gardaí and the Court servce.
The Charity's for vicitms of sexual abuse director Maeve Lewis says it gives other victims support to know they are no alone.
And Ms Lewis says their bravery must be commended.
The 11 victims of Patrick Barry issued a statement following his sentencing earlier this week asking that anyone affected by sexual abuse come forward.
