EDWARD BRYAN FROM CO MEATH SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR INDECENT ASSAULTS IN CORK

In March 2013, a significant case involving Edward Bryan, a man residing in Co Meath, reached its conclusion at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Bryan, a former Christian Brother, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault committed during the 1980s when the victims were still schoolboys. The three men who came forward as victims, now in their late 30s and early 40s, expressed their relief and validation upon hearing the verdict, emphasizing that their primary desire was to be believed and to see justice served.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin sentenced Bryan to a term of five years in prison. The judge, who presided over the case, remarked on Bryan’s lack of remorse throughout the proceedings, describing this as a concerning aspect of his conduct. Bryan, aged 59 at the time, had an address listed as Martinvilla, Athboy Road, Trim in Co Meath. This case marked the third occasion on which Bryan faced trial on charges related to indecent assault.

Previously, a re-trial in November had collapsed after one of the complainants accused Bryan, who was also a metal work teacher and basketball coach at the North Monastery School in Cork City, of having a profound and damaging impact on his life. During the trial, the victim recounted how the sexual abuse occurred during private basketball training sessions, which he trusted as a form of mentorship but ultimately became a source of trauma. He described the abuse as haunting him for over two decades, revealing the deep psychological scars left behind.

Another victim shared that he had turned to drugs as a means of coping with the overwhelming shame and guilt stemming from Bryan’s actions. He detailed how his addiction affected not only himself but also those around him, causing pain and suffering within his family and social circle. During the trial, he spent approximately ten hours in the witness box, describing in graphic detail the abuse he endured. Despite the emotional toll, he expressed a willingness to relive those moments repeatedly if it meant achieving justice.

The third victim conveyed a simple yet powerful message to the court: he just wanted to be believed, to be vindicated, and to receive justice. His wish was granted with the conviction and sentencing of Bryan, providing a sense of closure and validation for his suffering. The case has highlighted the enduring impact of childhood abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of the passage of time.