Wednesday 28 October 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. 3056Sexual assault, indecent assault · Co. Donegal

Former teacher Patrick Sharkey, 83, pleads guilty to 132 sexual abuse charges over 19 boys

Patrick Sharkey, an 83-year-old former schoolteacher originally from Clonmany, Co Donegal, pleaded guilty to 132 charges of indecent and sexual assault relating to 19 boys abused between 1970 and 1995 at Letterkenny Circuit Court, and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing in June.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court20 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatSharkey pleaded guilty to 132 charges of indecent assault and sexual assault relating to 19 victims. (irishtimes.com)
  • what59 offences were in relation to one victim, while other victims were the subject of 15, 14, 10 and six counts. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatOne victim was just seven years old when Sharkey began to sexually abuse him. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe charges span dates between 1970 and 1995. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationSharkey had been living in France when he flew into Birmingham in 2022 and was arrested by detectives on foot of warrants. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationDet Gda Johnny Gallagher from Buncrana Garda station outlined the evidence in court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtSharkey was remanded in custody by Judge John Aylmer at Letterkenny Circuit Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtSharkey previously served a sentence at Maghaberry Prison after being jailed at Antrim Crown Court in 2023, with three victims overlapping into the Letterkenny matter. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherSome victims spoke of struggling in relationships, mental and emotional challenges, and seeking solace in alcohol and gambling. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 May2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    ‘Finally the victims will get justice’: Ex-teacher who abused 19 boys to be sentenced

    Reports Sharkey's guilty plea to 132 charges at Letterkenny Circuit Court, details of the offending (19 victims, 1970–1995, Clonmany and Dublin), his arrest in Birmingham in 2022 after living in France, his prior 2023 conviction at Antrim Crown Court, and victim impact statements read in court.

    convicted, Patrick Sharkey, 83, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick Sharkeyvictim, male