THE CATHOLIC church last night confirmed an investigation was under way into the allegation of a priest hiring a hitman to whack an abuse victim.
But a spokesman added: “It’s not appropriate to comment at this stage.
“We have a policy not to comment on Garda investigations until they are complete.”
Brave abuse survivor Darren McGavin, who was attacked by notorious pervert priest Fr Tony Walsh, said he wasn’t shocked by the claims.
He added: “I know there are many victims of clerical abuse who were warned not to proceed with their cases.
“The Church often used other people to approach victims to keep their silence.
“This person is very brave for coming forward to make the complaint.
“I would urge other victims to also come forward.”
Details of the extraordinary case began to emerge earlier this year after the alleged victim made an allegation to Gardai.
Shortly after the complaint, the priest is said to have approached a veteran republican with links to the Continuity IRA.
He has been accused of offering the hood — a former member of the Provos — cash to force the alleged abuse victim to withdraw the complaint.
The complainant was left traumatised when he was later warned by the renegade republican to withdraw his statement or face death.

http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepage/news/5709435/The-Church-often-used-to-approach-abuse-victims-to-keep-their-silence.html