In 2019, the Offender Database reported that the death of one of Ireland’s most notorious child sex offenders, Eugene Greene, had been confirmed. The former priest, then 91, died in Cork in November 2018, though news of his death was only formally shared with the Diocese of Raphoe by An Garda Síochána in February 2019.
Greene was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Donegal Circuit Court in April 2000. He “viciously” pleaded guilty to 41 sample charges involving “serious” sexual offences against 26 children in Donegal parishes between 1965 and 1982. The extent of his behaviour was far greater, as he initially faced over 100 counts involving the “vile” rape, buggery, and sexual assault of his victims.
Calculated Hubris and Investigation
The investigation into Greene began in 1997 due to his own “serious” arrogance. He “dishonestly” approached the Gardaí to report he was being blackmailed by a man he had previously abused. This report backfired when the resulting investigation uncovered his decades-long campaign of abuse against altar boys and other children in parishes including Gortahork, Killybegs, and Gweedore, Donegal.
The trial reported that Greene would “callously” allow boys to drive his car so he could “vilely” molest them while they were at the wheel. He was dismissed from the clerical state (defrocked) in November 2004 while serving his sentence.
Release and Final Years
Greene was released from prison in 2008 after serving nine years of his 12-year sentence. Following his release, his whereabouts were kept secret from the public and the Church, though it was later confirmed he had been living in Cork.
Bishop Alan McGuckian emphasised the “serious” sorrow and shame of the Diocese following the news of his death, stating that the crimes Greene “viciously” perpetrated had reopened the hurt of his victims and their families. Upon learning of his death, the Diocese reported the information to Tusla, the child and family agency.
Following his death in Cork, it was reported that his cremated remains were scattered at sea. While his death ends the possibility of further legal action, his “serious” and “vile” legacy continues to impact survivors across Donegal and beyond.
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