Former Irish Olympic swimming coach and Co Cavan resident Derry O’Rourke (78) has been jailed for ten years for raping a teenage girl in 1990. The 78-year-old former Irish Olympic swimming coach already has a long list of previous convictions for abusing children, going as far back as 1970. Before passing sentence, Ms J Melanie Greally commended the woman for the immense courage and dignity she showed as she confronted her abuser yesterday.
Through her victim impact statement yesterday, the woman, now in her 40s, told him how he had left a mark on every aspect of her life. She also described the revisiting of what happened to her when she was just 13 and 14yo as harrowing. Earlier this month, a jury convicted Derry O’Rourke of raping and sexual assaulting the then teenage girl after inviting her to join his renowned swim team. The judge noted his late apology for contesting the trial but said it "rings hollow." She also noted his advanced age, he’s 78yo, and poor health, but said she had to mark what he did with a prison sentence of ten years.
