Ireland Kilkenny survivor describes court process as former Christian Brother Martin O’ Flaherty is named
Pat Hehir, a Kilkenny man, was nine years old when he was abused by Martin O’ Flaherty, a 73-year-old man of Rosmeen Gardens, Dun Laoghaire, who taught at the CBS primary school on Stephen Street, Kilkenny, between 1976 and 1981. O’ Flaherty had stood trial on five occasions since 2022 and had 103 previous convictions for the indecent assault of 22 boys before he was convicted of sexual offending against 29 boys. He is serving an effective sentence of eight years, two months and three weeks, with scheduled release in August 2030 and possible release as early as August 2028. On 5 May 2025, reporting restrictions were lifted because no further matters are pending, and O’ Flaherty was named publicly.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced5 May
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Martin O’ Flaherty has been convicted of sexual offending against 29 boys.
- Pat Hehir was nine years old when he was abused by O’ Flaherty.
- Other details
- O’ Flaherty is 73 years old and of Rosmeen Gardens, Dun Laoghaire.
- O’ Flaherty is a member of the Christian Brothers.
- The judge said the victim impact statements showed the effect and psychological damage on the men.
- Where
- O’ Flaherty taught at the CBS primary school on Stephen Street, Kilkenny, between 1976 and 1981.
- Cause
- The abuse took the form of inappropriate touching, mainly after pupils were called to O’ Flaherty’s desk at the front of the classroom.
- In court
- O’ Flaherty has stood trial on five previous occasions since 2022.
- O’ Flaherty has 103 previous convictions for the indecent assault of 22 boys.
- Reporting restrictions were lifted on 5 May 2025 because no further matters are pending against O’ Flaherty, and he was named.
- Investigation
- The special garda unit has turned its attention to other areas where offending priests were moved on to.
- Sentence
- O’ Flaherty is serving an effective sentence of eight years, two months and three weeks.
- O’ Flaherty is scheduled for release in August 2030 but could be released as early as August 2028.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatO’ Flaherty has been convicted of sexual offending against 29 boys. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- whatPat Hehir was nine years old when he was abused by O’ Flaherty. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- whereO’ Flaherty taught at the CBS primary school on Stephen Street, Kilkenny, between 1976 and 1981. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- causeThe abuse took the form of inappropriate touching, mainly after pupils were called to O’Flaherty’s desk at the front of the classroom. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- investigationThe special garda unit has turned its attention to other areas where offending priests were moved on to. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- courtReporting restrictions were lifted because no further matters are pending against O’ Flaherty. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- courtO’ Flaherty has stood trial on five previous occasions since 2022. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- courtO’ Flaherty has 103 previous convictions for the indecent assault of 22 boys. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- sentenceO’Flaherty is serving an effective sentence of eight years, two months and three weeks. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- sentenceO’Flaherty is scheduled for release in August 2030 but could be released as early as August 2028. (kilkennypeople.ie)
- otherThe judge said the victim impact statements showed the effect and psychological damage on the men. (kilkennypeople.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 5 May2025Kilkenny survivor speaks about arduous court process - as abuser priest named
Names the convicted abuser Martin O’ Flaherty after reporting restrictions were lifted and gives his sentence length and release dates. Adds the survivor's account of the trials and the victim impact statements. Mentions Liam Coughlan only in passing as a separate case.
victim, Pat Hehir, male, irish (judged from name)Pat Hehirconvicted, Martin O' Flaherty, 73, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin O' Flaherty