Gary Duffy

The firm has now settled two cases involving allegations against Father Thomas Cunningham in the past year, with both settling for similar amounts in the six-figures.

Cunningham was the first parish priest of the St Agnes Parish and served in the role until early 1975. He was then moved to the Servants of the Paraclete facility in Stroud, England.

The facility was used to treat priests with addictions, but the firm says a number of paedophile priests, including Malachy Finegan and Fr Brendan Smyth, were moved to this facility in response to allegations of abuse.

The firm believes that Cunningham was moved to this facility because abuse allegations or rumours emerged.

Cunningham resigned in June 1976 and died in January 1978.

The firm’s client, who has chosen to remain anonymous, brought forward allegations of serious abuse perpetrated against him in parochial house when he was a child.

Gary Duffy, associate solicitor at KRW LAW LLP, said: “This settlement is a significant milestone for our client, who has shown remarkable resilience and bravery in coming forward to confront the trauma they endured.

“We are pleased to have brought this matter to a swift and dignified conclusion, ensuring our client received both acknowledgment and vindication for the abuse that they suffered.

“However, it is deeply concerning that this is the second case involving Father Cunningham that we has settled within the past year.

“Paedophile abusers never ever perpetrate offending in isolation. It’s typically systemic and over a significant period of time.

“I’ve little doubt these two recent cases, resulting in around £400,000 in compensation, point to evidence of much wider disturbing levels of historic abuse.”

Mr Duffy urged the Northern Ireland Executive to establish a statutory inquiry into historical clerical abuse, with the Stroud facility included in its terms of reference.

He added: “We urge anyone who may have experienced abuse to seek support and legal advice. No one should suffer in silence, and justice is possible no matter how much time has passed.”