State Delivers Formal Apology to Survivors of Bill Kenneally Represented by Phoenix Law

Dublin, 14 July 2026 

The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, today delivered a formal State apology in Dáil Éireann to the survivors of convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally, following the publication of the report of Mr Justice Michael White arising from the South-East Commission of Investigation. Phoenix Law is proud to have represented a number of the survivors throughout this process, and welcomes today’s apology on their behalf.

Bill Kenneally, a former swimming and basketball coach in Waterford, was convicted of the sexual abuse of boys spanning the period 1979 to 1990, though evidence given to the Commission covered allegations dating from 1970 to 1993. He died in prison last month, having served just over half of a near-19-year sentence. The Commission’s report found that details of his abuse were known to senior gardaí and others as early as 1987, but that a clear and serious dereliction of duty by An Garda Síochána meant the abuse was allowed to continue for a further 25 years, until a formal complaint by survivor Jason Clancy in December 2012 finally led to Kenneally being brought to justice.

Taoiseach’s apology

“As Taoiseach I apologise unreservedly, on behalf of the State, to the victims of Bill Kenneally for what was a clear and serious dereliction of duty,” the Taoiseach told the Dáil.

“No words from Government can make up for the theft of childhood from so many young boys, for the appalling abuse they suffered, and the enormous trauma they have experienced in their lives as a result. But we must acknowledge the failings that led to these awful outcomes, in recognition of the horrific experiences, and the bravery, of his victims; and also to ensure that it can never happen again.”

“I want to recognise that we would not have this Report, we would not have the truth, and there would not be this State apology without the remarkable bravery and strength of Kenneally’s victims. Their fight to ensure that there was a public inquiry has been fully vindicated.”

Tánaiste’s remarks

The Tánaiste, Simon Harris TD, also addressed the Dáil, commending the bravery and tenacity of the survivors who sought “to protect others from the horrors they endured.” He said that through their efforts, “justice was finally done.”

“In their young lives they were the victims of monstrous evil,” the Tánaiste said, describing the testimony given to the Commission of Investigation as “an act of great courage.”

A long road to recognition

Speaking outside Leinster House ahead of the apology Colin Power described a “feeling of relief” after what he called an eight-and-a-half year process, adding: “I wouldn’t have been able to get through this without the lads, without Phoenix Law, and family.” Mr Power also called for lessons to be learned from the Commission of Investigation process, urging reform so that it is “a bit shorter and a bit more empathetic on victims going forward.”

The Commission’s report also found that two former Fianna Fáil public representatives, Billy Kenneally Snr and his son Brendan Kenneally, failed to report the abuse to child protection authorities despite becoming aware of it in 1987 and 2001 respectively. The Taoiseach told the Dáil he was “profoundly sorry” that two former public representatives from his party had failed to protect children from their nephew and cousin. Mr Justice White has recommended that the absence of a criminal offence of “misconduct in public office” be referred to the Law Reform Commission, a step the Attorney General has already taken.

The Government has indicated that officials in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration are considering a means of providing redress to survivors outside of the legal process, and will engage with survivors directly on this in due course.

Our Mr Darragh Mackin and Mr Diarmuid Brecknell acted for the victims.