A 72-year-old retired priest has been remanded on bail after he was charged with two counts of indecently assaulting two teenage girls while serving as a priest in Diocese of Cloyne almost 30 years ago.
Fr Dan Duane, with an address at the Presbytery, Cecilstown, Mallow, was brought before a scheduled sitting of Mallow District Court this morning where he was charged with indecently assaulting two teenage girls at a location in Mallow between 1980 and 1983.
Det Garda Colman Murphy gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that he arrested Fr Duane at Bowling Green in Mallow at 9.05am. When he put the two charges to Fr Duane after caution, Fr Duane replied “No” to both.
Insp Senan Ryan said gardaí had no objection to bail as Fr Duane, although he had not been aware that charges were "coming down the track", had been aware for some time of the Garda investigation and had remained in north Cork throughout their inquiries.
Gardaí were seeking a short adjournment as the book of evidence in the case against Fr Duane was "practically ready", said Insp Ryan and he suggested a remand until March 8th to allow for the final completion of the book of evidence.
Solicitor for Fr Duane, Kieran McCarthy said his client was due to go into hospital later this afternoon for a full hip replacement operation and he asked for a longer adjournment to allow him recuperate so he can attend the next hearing.
Judge Michael Pattwell agreed and suggested a remand until April 5th and Mr McCarthy said his client had no objection to such a remand. Judge Pattwell remanded Fr Duane on his own bail of €500 to appear at Mallow District Court again on that date.
