THE PEOPLE of Listowel felt aggrieved that the good name of their heritage and literary town was being damaged because of one tragic case, the likes of which was common all over the country, a Listowel town councillor said yesterday.
Fine Gael councillor Jackie Barrett- Madigan is one of the few people to speak out since the controversy began, arising from an extraordinary series of events at and after the sentencing hearing last week of bouncer Danny Foley (35) for sexual assault of a semi-conscious woman in a town car-park in June 2008.
The victim faced a large media presence at a press conference in Tralee on Saturday organised by the Kerry Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre. The woman, who is in her early 20s and the mother of a young son, continues to attend counselling.
Flowers and messages of support for her have continued to arrive at Listowel Garda Station this weekend. She has thanked the gardaí and the sexual abuse centre for their support.
The issue has continued to be debated in Listowel, where there is growing resentment at comments made on national media regarding the town, which is more accustomed to accolades from well-known literary and liberal figures who visit for Writers Week.
Ms Barrett-Madigan, one of two women on Listowel town council, has condemned what she said was the unfairness of the focus on Listowel.“It’s very unfair on Listowel. Unfortunately in the society we are living in, this horrific activity is taking place all over the country. Why target the good name of Listowel?
“It’s a shame and disgrace that a tragic case can overrule the good name of a town.”
Public officials in Listowel were extremely concerned at the bad press the town was getting, but would not take sides in what was a tragic case for two people and for two local families, she added.
Another woman who is well known in the town but did not wish her name to be used said: “We are sick to death of it. The people in Listowel know both families and they know both people and they, above anyone else, know more than anyone. There is total resentment at all this discussion.”
Priests in Listowel did not speak on the issue at yesterday’s Masses, but may decide to do so over the Christmas period, particularly if the controversy continues,
At Saturday’s press conference, the woman thanked the canon of Listowel for visiting her on Thursday to offer comfort and support: “The canon of Listowel parish visited me yesterday and wished me well and told me that he was there for me and he hoped me and my son would have some kind of a good Christmas, and wished me all the best.
“I was shocked when I saw him, but it meant so much to me. Now I know that that priest in court [Fr Seán Sheehy, who gave a character reference for Foley] was only the one man, and he didn’t represent the church.
“I also want to thank the bishop [of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy] for his apology and support.”