A Catholic priest has voluntarily stepped down from the church in the wake of child sex abuse allegations, it emerged today.
Father Jim Donaghy denied the offences in a statement read to the congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer Church in Ballyholme, Co Down, this weekend.
Bishop of Down and Connor the Rt Rev Patrick Walsh read a letter to parishioners and assured them that the church's primary concern was child protection.
"I wish you to know that your parish priest Fr Jim Donaghy has voluntarily stepped down from the ministry," the letter read.
"His decision follows an allegation of child sexual abuse which allegedly took place some 20 years ago and which is the subject of a police investigation.
"Fr Donaghy strongly denies the allegation and he will be co-operating fully with the investigation as will the diocese."
A similar statement was read to masses in the four other Down and Connor parishes where the middle-aged priest has served.
The bishop said the matter was now in the hands of the police. The PSNI could confirm no further information at this stage.
PA