The experienced broadcaster, Vincent Browne, asserted that the stark truth about the prevalent sexual abuse by clergy in Ireland was overlooked by the media for years, only being brought to light by a new wave of reporters. During the introduction of Patsy McGarry’s autobiography, Well, Holy God, Mr Browne commended Mr McGarry, a prior correspondent, for being a leading voice in the journalistic efforts that ultimately unveiled the truth.
Speaking to a large crowd at the Mansion House in Dublin, he acknowledged, “We, the journalists, largely overlooked the scenario that was unfolding right in front of us. I can’t confidently say why we missed something glaringly obvious.” He continued by recounting multiple scandals that slipped under the radar due to a society dominated and “indoctrinated” by the power of the Catholic Church.
“Fortunately, later generations of journalists stepped up. However, the most tenacious in holding the Catholic Church accountable was indeed Patsy McGarry,” Browne said. Mr McGarry, who served more than two decades as a Religious Affairs Correspondent, covered numerous scandals in a period characterised by widespread institutional abuse and concealment. His tenure saw the revelation of scandals including priests abusing children, industrial schools, mother-and-baby homes, and the infamous Magdalene laundries.
In Mr McGarry’s memoir, he chronicles his early life as well as his later professional career. During the event, McGarry acknowledged the courage of the survivors, many of whom were present at the launch. One survivor, Marie Collins, shared the difficulty of coming forward with her ordeal but underscored how this feat would have been impossible without the fearless journalism embodied by McGarry and his contemporaries. “Church authorities believed their power and influence would suppress the survivors’ voices, but they underestimated journalists like Patsy,” she said.