The jury has been discharged in the case of a priest who was to stand trial for historic sexual abuse charges against a number of males who were pupils in the Co Fermanagh school where he taught. Originally from Monaghan, Canon Patrick McEntee (70) of Esker Road, Dromore, County Tyrone requested a leave of absence in 2022 while a serious safeguarding investigation was carried out. He is charged with sexual offences against five males who attended St Michael's College, Enniskillen. There are four counts of indecently assaulting one complainant on dates between 1988 and 1989 and a single count of indecently assaulting another complainant between 1980 and 1981. In addition there are a further four counts of indecent assault against three males- two counts against one and single counts against the other two. These matters allegedly occurred on various dates between 1978 and 1987. Canon McEntee denied all charges against him.
To date, no details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending have been disclosed. The jury was sworn in yesterday at Dungannon Crown Court then sent home for the day, with the trial due to commence today and expected to last around two weeks. However before matter could get underway Judge Richard Greene advised an issue had arisen and it was therefore necessary to discharge the jury and adjourn the trial. He remanded Canon McEntee on continuing bail of £500 and banned all contact with the complainants and any person aged under 16. The case will be mentioned again next week.
Originally from Monaghan, Canon McEntee joined the staff of St Michael's College, Enniskillen in 1997 teaching religious studies and sitting on the Board of Governors. He was also college president between 1994 and 2000, moving on to take up the post of Parish Priest at St Davog's Church in Dromore, County Tyrone in 2001, where he has remained until his recent leave of absence. Previously the Diocese of Clogher confirmed: "Canon Patrick McEntee PP, Dromore, County Tyrone, has asked for a period of leave to allow a safeguarding matter to be addressed. The Diocese of Clogher has robust safeguarding policies and practices in place. The Diocese of Clogher takes seriously all allegations, suspicions or concerns of abuse."
When asked of the current status given the charges now faced, a spokesperson replied: "Canon Patrick McEntee is on leave while a safeguarding matter is dealt with and will continue to be on leave from ministry until all due processes have been completed."
