A Church of Ireland rector has resigned after being convicted today of possessing child pornography.
Canon Joe Condell (59), from the Roscrea Parish in the Diocese of Limerick, stepped down from his post after pleading guilty to one charge.
His rectory was raided in 2002 by gardaí as part of Operation Amethyst, a Statewide undercover crackdown on child pornography users. Detectives found a number of still and video images on the Canon Condell's computer.
He pleaded guilty at Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court of possessing the images on January 11th 2002 and has been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register. Sentencing was deferred until next year, however.
Counsel for the defence sought time for a probationary report to be drawn up and to obtain character witnesses.
Judge Donagh McDonagh expressed concern about the length of time it could take for the case come before him again but granted an adjournment until April 29th.
The Church of Ireland bishop of Limerick, the Right Rev Michael Mayes, said he was saddened by Canon Condell's actions.
Dr Mayes said: "Child pornography of its very nature portrays the cruel degradation and sexual exploitation of defenceless children for financial gain and is completely at odds with the nature and purpose of pastoral ministry.
"Those who help perpetuate this squalid industry by obtaining its products are inevitably involved in betraying the natural trust of children who instinctively turn to adults for help when they cannot protect themselves."
Dr Mayes paid tribute to Roscrea parishioners for dealing with the situation "with grace and generosity of spirit" and promised pastoral provision for the parish and the Condell family.