A senior Catholic priest in Elphin diocese has stood aside from ministry while an allegation made against him is being investigated.
Canon Niall Ahern, parish priest of Ransboro and Strandhill, Co Sligo, has denied the allegation.
The announcement was made by Bishop of Elphin Dr Christopher Jones in St Patrick's church, Strandhill, during a ceremony yesterday for children preparing for First Holy Communion. Dr Jones did not disclose the nature of the claim but said the allegation arose from the late 1970s.
Later, outside the church, Canon Ahern, who is in his late 50s, was greeted sympathetically by parishioners. He did not elaborate on the allegation, but a statement was circulated on his behalf.
It said: "There is no foundation whatsoever in this. Nevertheless, while the truth is being independently and categorically determined, I have decided to stand aside from ministry."
