A retired teacher who was described as a prominent member of his local community pleaded guilty at Tullamore Circuit Court yesterday to 17 sample charges of sexual assault perpetrated at a Co Offaly national school.
He was remanded for sentence at the next sitting in February 1999 by Judge Anthony Kennedy.
Donal Dunne (75), St Patrick's Avenue, Portarlington, who was said to be actively involved in the local GAA and golf clubs, pleaded guilty to all the charges which related to offences committed during the period from 1965 to 1969, when he was principal of Walsh Island National School.
The charges related to sexual assaults committed on six named male pupils, three of whom were present in court.
Opening the case, Ms Dara Foynes, prosecuting, said the accused had been a Christian Brother teaching in Dublin, but left that order in 1957.
He was before the court on a plea of guilty to 17 sample charges, adding that he had been involved in two further serious incidents while teaching in Castlecomer in the early 1970s.
Ms Foynes said the victims were anxious that no reporting restrictions be imposed by the court, as they are anxious the defendant be named, although they did not wish to have their own identity revealed.
The accused pleaded guilty to each of the 17 charges individually when arraigned.
These alleged indecent assault contrary to common law as provided by Section 62 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1961.
Prosecuting counsel detailed the offences committed while he was principal in Walsh Island NS following his appointment in 1966.
Det Sgt Michael Dalton, Tullamore, said the accused first came under Garda notice following a prosecution at Portarlington Court, as a result of which his former pupils came forward with complaints and made statements.
During the course of the investigation more than 70 people were interviewed.
Questioned by Mr William Fennelly, defending, Sergeant Dalton said the accused's final teaching post had been in an all-girls school and there had been no complaints.
Witness described Mr Dunne as a man who was fully involved in his community.
Sergeant Dalton said that when interviewed, the accused denied having ever molested pupils and said he was shocked by the allegations.
He claimed he could not remember why he left Walsh Island.
Mr Fennelly urged the court not to impose sentence until an opportunity was provided to obtain psychological, medical and probation reports on the accused, whose health is not good.
Judge Kennedy remanded the accused on continuing bail for sentencing at the next session, due to be held in February.