Damages sought over sexual abuse by teacher

A Co Monaghan man who was sexually abused as a child by his national school teacher, a former Ulster Council secretary of the GAA, has brought a High Court action for damages.

The action by the father of two is against Michael Feeney (73), of Ballybay, Co Monaghan, who pleaded guilty in November 2000 to charges of sexual abuse and who was jailed for three years. Evidence in the case concluded yesterday and the jury is expected to retire later this morning to consider its verdict.

The court heard that the plaintiff, who has serious health problems, was a pupil at Ballybay boys' national school from 1956 to 1958. He said that in the course of teaching, Feeney would sit beside him in his desk and fondle his genitals. He was unable to discuss the abuse with his family or anyone else and only told his wife about 1996 when criminal proceedings against Feeney were initiated. As a child he had difficulties passing water and felt the pains he was getting then were because of what Feeney did but he felt unable to tell anyone. He later lost a kidney.

He had come into contact with Feeney when he was an adult and felt fear and disgust as a result of the abuse. He had a serious alcohol problem until he ceased drinking in 1977. He still felt very angry about what had happened to him and was anxious to see Feeney jailed for the abuse.

It was only when a victim impact report was being prepared about his experience for the criminal proceedings that he realised he had been mentally affected by the abuse. He was not aware until then that the feelings he experienced were not normal and that it was not natural to be as angry as he was. He had been prone to rage.

"I don't forgive him, I won't forgive him," he said. "I would forgive anyone a mistake but what he did to me was not a mistake." He said Feeney "is still unrepentant".

The court heard evidence from psychologist Elaine Fitzgerald and forensic psychiatrist Dr Damian Mohan, who had both interviewed the plaintiff.

Ms Fitzgerald said the plaintiff was very embarrassed and disgusted by the abuse and it was not something he found easy to talk about. She had found him credible in his demeanour. Anger management was a severe problem for him. He was a man who had a difficult home experience compounded by his experience of sexual abuse.

Dr Mohan said he had assessed the plaintiff on two occasions and concluded he suffered from delayed chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. He believed anger at what had happened had consumed the plaintiff's life.

The jury will hear speeches this morning from counsel for both sides after which they will be charged by the judge on legal issues.