Fr Sigma (deceased)

Breda complained of sexual abuse perpetrated on her by Fr Sigma in Monageer and Knock for a four-year period, commencing when…

Breda complained of sexual abuse perpetrated on her by Fr Sigma in Monageer and Knock for a four-year period, commencing when she was eight years old.

She telephoned Fr Tommy Brennan, diocesan secretary, in September 1996, and told him she had been sexually abused by Fr Sigma when she was a young girl, and that she was in counselling.

Fr Brennan wrote to Bishop Comiskey in December 1997 outlining the conversation with her. Breda told the inquiry there were lots of rumours surrounding Fr Sigma throughout the parish, mainly concerning girls.

She was aware of other women in counselling as a result of abuse by him, and was herself in need of financial help to continue her counselling. A limited period of counselling was paid for by the diocese.

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Bishop Comiskey wrote to Fr Brennan saying he had "at last" had his fears confirmed about Monageer. He said he was "saddened but not surprised" by the revelations.

But Bishop Comiskey could not explain to the inquiry why he wrote those words, and did not recall any specific allegations about Fr Sigma.

In its findings, the inquiry noted the use of diocesan funds to pay for counselling for victims.