An Ennis priest who described convicted Kilkee paedophile, Patrick Barry as a spiritual man says his court testimonial was not a defence.
Canon Bob Hanna has confirmed that the Church of Ireland has queried why he gave a testimonial on behalf of the former Principal of Moyasta National School who was jailed for sexually assaulting 11 girls this week
Judge Gerald Keyes sentenced the remorseless Patrick Barry to 11 years in jail with the final five suspended for the abuse carried out against his former school pupils between 1964 and 1985.
In a testimonial given to the court, Ennis Church of Ireland Cleric Bob Hanna said he had known "Padraig de Barra for 20 years" and the image of him as a convicted Sex offender seemed such a shocking aberration from the generally held picture of a genial, courteous and happily retired professional man.
He said Barry would have been the last person one would have thought to be involved in any act that would hurt or offend a child.
After one of his victims said she was disturbed by the testimonial given by Canon Bob Hanna he's now stated that he fully understands the victims feelings following the immense hurt which has accompanied them over past decades
He says he wasn't trying to defend the man and as he hasn't had the opportunity to meet with the offended ladies and offer his condolences as a priest he hopes that might soon be possible.
