Fr Alpha was a curate in the 1970s and 1980s. Two boys have complained that he abused them then, and they made complaints to gardaí in the 1990s.
A third boy reported to two doctors who treated him in hospital that he had been abused by Fr Alpha.
However, he was not prepared to make a complaint to gardaí and the Director of Public Prosecutions decided there was not sufficient evidence to prosecute Fr Alpha, who denied the allegations.
Bishop Comiskey was made aware of the allegations, and advised Fr Alpha to take administrative leave in 1997.
The priest refused, and said he would appeal any attempt to remove him to Rome.
The stalemate continued until Bishop Comiskey resigned.
Bishop Walsh issued a precept against Fr Alpha in 2002, prohibiting him from participating in the act of ministry and in particular from having any contact with young people pending the outcome of all inquiries into his conduct.
He continues to protest his innocence.
The three complainants have issued civil proceedings, and he has counterclaimed for defamation.