Fr Eugene Boland.
A Derry priest has resigned his ministry two weeks after being reinstated following his acquittal of sex abuse charges.
A Derry Diocesan statement said Fr Eugene Boland, who returned as parish priest of Cappagh in Co Tyrone a fortnight ago, was “not ready” and needed “more time for help and guidance” following his acquittal.
Fr Boland was cleared of all allegations against him following an eight-day trial held last June.
He had faced five charges of indecent assault on a 14-year-old girl in Joseph’s parochial house in the Galliagh area of Derry on unknown dates between June 1990 and June 1992.
Fr Boland, originally from Moville in Inishowen, Co Donegal, had stepped down from his duties after the charges were made in 2010
He had resumed his duties just two weeks ago, after it was confirmed legal proceedings and Church processes had been completed.
The Diocesan statement said he had offered his resignation and that a new parish priest would be appointed in “due course.”
The statement revealed he had been engaged in therapy sessions to prepare for his return to ministry after being cleared of the allegations.
The statement said: “Over a protracted period of time, Fr Boland engaged in therapy to help him cope with what he was experiencing and to prepare him properly for a return to public ministry and interaction with the people again.”
The statement said that on his return it had “all too quickly become clear” to Fr Boland and diocesan authorities that “he is not ready.”
“For that reason, Fr Boland now needs more time for help and guidance in this regard and has been granted leave of absence from ministry.”
The statement said the news of Fr Boland’s resignation was understandably “very confusing for many people”.
It concluded: “It is hoped that in dealing with this carefully and promptly, the needs of both the Parish of Cappagh and Fr Boland will be addressed appropriately.”
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