Main pic: Abuse survivors, Paula (L) and Margaret Martin.
The Diocese of Raphoe has today issued an apology to two Donegal sisters who are survivors of abuse by a former priest.
Margaret and Paula Martin were abused by then Fanad priest, Fr Con Cunningham.
The convicted paedophile spent 16 years of his ‘retirement’ out of Ministry in the parish of Carrick in South Donegal, despite several complaints.
Con Cunningham is led away from court after being jailed for nine months in 2019. Pic by Northwest Newspix.
The following statement was released a short-time ago by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Raphoe:
“Apology issued to Margaret and Paula Martin, Victims of Con Cunningham, former priest of the Diocese of Raphoe
Following a process of engagement with Margaret Martin and Paula Martin, two of the victims of Con Cunningham, now a former priest of the Diocese of Raphoe, the Diocese – at their prompting and with their agreement – wishes to make public the apology presented to them. Our apology traces the history of how their complaints against Con Cunningham were addressed and the shortcomings of the diocese in the actions taken. Above all it seeks to acknowledge the experience and perspective of these two sisters who have suffered so much and whose sufferings were compounded by a lack of adequate communication and support on our part. The desire of Margaret and Paula is one that is shared by me and which I hope will become more and more the culture of the diocese, namely to encourage those to come forward who have hesitated to do so and to know they would be supported and accompanied in the actions they may wish to take. In particular, I would wish for a ‘pastoral conversion’, to quote a phrase beloved of the late Pope Francis, that communicates to victims of sexual abuse on the part of clergy that they are not viewed in any way as a threat but rather welcomed as instruments of truth and justice. It is not easy to face behaviours and attitudes that shame us and call into question the nature and purpose of the Church’s ministry. This diocese and the whole Church owes a debt of gratitude to those who have come forward to seek justice and to put to rights the manifold wrongs of abuse. In doing so they have deepened our understanding of the effects of these crimes and have done a great deal to ensure that our Church environments are safer places in which our young people and families can grow in faith, love and life. I wish also to underline how clear it is to me that Margaret and Paula Martin have been deeply motivated from the beginning by a preoccupation for the safety and wellbeing of children in our Church, and I know that this lies at the heart of the decision of so many others who have come forward. It is my hope that others who have experienced this trauma in their lives may feel they can have confidence in our diocese if they wish to come forward with the account of their abuse. It remains the obligation of the diocese to report all complaints to the civil authorities and to respect the processes that may be undertaken, but, along with the processes of justice, the journey of healing can begin. There are agencies that can be of help. Two agencies funded by the Church but independent of it – are Towards Healing and Towards Peace. Contact details can be found at the end of this statement. If you have been abused, please come forward and report it to the relevant authorities. It is my humble hope that we will be ready to listen to you and to support you”.
To report a concern, or complaint of child abuse, either current or historical, please contact Margaret Northage, the Designated Liaison Person for the diocese, on: 086 2183 011.
You are advised also to contact statutory authorities:
Tusla (Child & Family Agency) – Tel: 074 9102233
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau – Tel: 01 6663430/6663435
In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station – Tel: 074 9167100
Free Counselling & Support is available through Towards Healing, an independent organisation providing professional support for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Freephone – Rol: 1800 303416
Freephone – N.Ireland & UK: 0800 0963315
Freephone – Hearing Impaired: 085 8022859
Diocese of Raphoe issues apology to two Donegal abuse survivors was last modified: September 15th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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