Welcome for guilty verdict and recognition for courage of survivors in George Gibney trial

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre today welcomed the verdict of the jury today in the Central Criminal Court  in finding George Gibney guilty of sexual abusing four young girls 50 years ago.

Chef Executive, Rachel Morrogh, said: “We welcome this conviction and recognise the long, painful and incredibly courageous journey to justice taken by his victims.

“George Gibney exploited children who demonstrated sporting excellence. He abused, threatened and debased them. Like so many perpetrators of child sex abuse, he was hidden in plain sight, yet it has taken over 50 years for him to face justice.

“We thank those in court, their supporters, the members of the justice system and so many other people who have made today a reality. We should also recognise the powerful role played by the podcasting team in Second Captains who created ‘Where is George Gibney’, a dogged and painstakingly researched piece of radio which brought this issue to the public’s attention again in recent years, as well as all the remarkable survivors and allies who contributed to it.  

“And to all the victims and survivors who weren’t in court today, and to those who may never go to court, to those who spoke out and to those who have yet to find the words, we hope this conviction offers comfort and vindication. We want you to know that Dublin Rape Crisis Centre sees you, we believe you and we are here to support you, whenever you are ready.”

ENDS/

Confidential, free support on
24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888

 

---

Notes for editors:  

1. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.  
2. The Signs of Hope campaign platforms powerful messages of hope and encouragement from survivors to others who have not yet reached out for support – learn more at https://www.drcc.ie/signsofhope/
3. We-Consent is a long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources at https://www.we-consent.ie/
4. You can donate towards Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s work on drcc.ie/donate
5. Other DRCC services and work: 
   • DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang
   • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays.
   • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide.
   • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
   • We provide accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.   
   • We have outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.   
6. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88  for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.