A priest who made a bitter personal attack on Sonia O'Sullivan in a weekend homily about the breakdown of morality in Ireland last night withdrew his remarks and apologised to the Co Cork-born athlete and her family.
The 29-year-old athlete, who is not married, gave birth last month to her first child in London where she lives with her partner, Mr Nick Bideau.
Father James Duffy, a priest in the parish of Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, told The Irish Times last night that he had made remarks about Ms O'Sullivan in a homily on the breakdown of morality in the State at evening mass last Saturday. In a subsequent statement issued through the Catholic Press Office last night, Father Duffy said his remarks were made in the heat of the moment.
He said he realised that his sermon "was hurtful to Sonia and her family and I withdraw it unreservedly".
Ms O'Sullivan's father, John, said last night that as far as he was concerned, "Sonia is happy in her position and if that man has a problem with it, it's his problem. If there are problems in the church, Sonia O'Sullivan isn't one of them."
Mr Bideau, speaking from the London home he shares with Ms O'Sullivan, said the remarks of "some guy we've never even met are of no concern to us".
Mr Bideau said Ms O'Sullivan was not available for comment.
The two-times world cross country and European 5,000 metre and 10,000 metre gold medal winner, gave birth to her daughter, Ciara, at a London hospital on July 10th.
The former Cork East Labour TD and family friend, Mr John Mulvihill criticised the Ballina more priest and accused him of being completely out of touch with modern Ireland.
"I think it is outrageous that he should make comments like this. I think he is completely out of touch with people's views.
"I think it's plain to anyone who has seen all the photos that Sonia is a very proud and loving mother to little Ciara."