Following the conviction and sentencing in London of James Murphy, a former priest who served for a time in this diocese, the following statement has been issued by the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
James Murphy served in parishes in England until 1992. He returned to Ireland and was appointed to minister in parishes in the Diocese of Cork & Ross. At that time, there was no indication or report that he had abused minors in London parishes.
In 2000, when he pleaded guilty to charges relating to offences committed in London in earlier decades, his right to minister as a priest was immediately withdrawn and he has not ministered anywhere since. The Bishop of Cork and Ross and the priests in the two parishes where he had ministered (St. Patrick’s, Cork and Glounthaune) addressed the issue at Sunday Masses and reassured people who might make contact with concerns that they would receive support.
The diocese has not had any contact with James Murphy since he was sentenced to prison.
The diocese has not received any report that he offended during his time in Cork.
Anyone who may have a concern or a report to make is encouraged to contact the Gardaí or Tusla or the Diocesan Director of Safeguarding.
