Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 21943Indecent assault · Co. Clare

Clooney man jailed for eight years for indecent assault on three girls

Fintan Ryan, a 61-year-old former taxi and Shannondoc driver from Clooney, Quin, was sentenced at Ennis Circuit Court to eight years and ten months for 34 counts of indecent assault on three young girls in Clare between 1983 and 1989.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced12 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe abuse occurred at locations in Clare between 1983 and 1989. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeRyan was found guilty of 34 counts of indecent assault. (clareecho.ie)
  • chargeSeven counts related to Geraldine Finnegan, 23 to Angela Patalano, and four to Maeve Behan. (clareecho.ie)
  • courtThe sentencing took place at Ennis Circuit Court before Judge Francis Comerford. (clareecho.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge backdated the jail sentence to November. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherRyan has been on remand in custody since November. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherRyan has no previous convictions. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherRyan suffered a heart attack while on remand last month and required stents to be inserted. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherRyan is a married father of two grown-up children. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherTwo of the complainants are sisters-in-law of Ryan. (clareecho.ie)
  • otherAll three complainants waived their right to anonymity so Ryan could be named. (clareecho.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 12 Mar2023
    Sentencedclareecho.ie, first report
    Clooney 'monster & predator' jailed for eight years for sexual abuse - Clare Echo

    Sentencing report detailing the eight-year-ten-month prison term, victim impact statements from all three complainants, and the judge's remarks on Ryan's limited admissions and lack of acceptance of the jury's findings.

    convicted, Fintan (Vinny) Ryan, 61, male, named, irish (judged from name)Fintan (Vinny) Ryanvictim, Angela Patalano, female, irish (judged from name)Angela Patalanovictim, Geraldine Finnegan, female, irish (judged from name)Geraldine Finneganvictim, Maeve Behan, 47, female, irish (judged from name)Maeve Behan