JIMMY FLANNERY'S CRIME SHOCKS DINGLE AND CO. KERRY: VICTIM DESCRIBES COURT SUPPORT ROOM AS 'AN EMBRACE'

In a deeply emotional account, Deborah Courtney, a woman from Castlegregory in County Kerry, has shared her experience of the new court support facility in Tralee, which she describes as offering a sense of comfort and dignity to victims of sexual abuse. Deborah, now 54 years old, endured horrific abuse at the hands of her brother-in-law, Jimmy Flannery, when she was just 10 years old. Her suffering spanned three years, beginning in 1971, and only came to light after years of silence and pain.

In February 2015, Deborah and her older sister, Mary Courtney, chose to waive their right to anonymity to ensure justice was served. Their decision followed the conviction of Jimmy Flannery, who was then 76 years old and residing in Baile Na Buaile, Dingle. Flannery was sentenced to 10 years in prison after a five-day trial at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court. He faced multiple charges, including three counts of raping Mary Courtney at various locations in Dingle between January 1971 and April 1975, as well as ten counts of sexual assault against her spanning from April 1969 to April 1974. Additionally, Flannery was convicted of sexually assaulting Deborah herself.

Deborah recounted the arduous journey for justice that spanned over four years, beginning at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court. She emphasized that the process was made even more challenging by the inadequate facilities at the courthouse. The physical environment, she explained, contributed to feelings of vulnerability and exposure, making the experience even more traumatic. She recalled walking up the courthouse steps in 2012 with her sister, feeling the building’s neglected and cold atmosphere, which compounded their distress. The presence of family members and the accused within the courthouse added to their discomfort, making the environment feel unsafe.

However, Deborah expressed hope that the new court support room would encourage other victims to come forward. She described the room as a sanctuary, likening it to “an embrace,” where victims can feel respected and maintain their dignity. The design of the space provides privacy, allowing victims to speak freely or to break down if needed, without fear of judgment or intrusion. She emphasized that such a facility is vital for victims’ emotional well-being, especially during such a difficult process.

Both cases involving Deborah and Mary were initially tried separately at Tralee court. However, after the first trial ended in a hung jury, the cases were transferred to Dublin’s Central Criminal Court for a final resolution. Deborah acknowledged the emotional toll of the legal process but credited the support she received from the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre for helping her through it. She highlighted the importance of community and institutional support, especially when dealing with the trauma of abuse and the challenges of being in the community where the abuse occurred.

Vera O’Leary, the manager of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, praised the Court Service for establishing the new support room. She explained that, due to limited funding, the renovation was made possible through the generosity of local businesses and individuals. O’Leary stressed that the facility sends a powerful message to victims and survivors: that they will be believed and supported. She expressed confidence that this message, reinforced by the community’s backing, would encourage more victims to come forward and seek justice, surpassing the impact of any awareness campaigns the centre could run.