Only one councillor speaks up for victim
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ONLY one of Listowel's nine town councillors was willing to publicly support the young mother who said she feels ostracised in her home town since the man who sexually assaulted her was jailed.
Fine Gael Town Councillor Tim O'Leary is the only member of the town authority to come out in support of the woman. The other eight members, who are elected to represent the people of Listowel, have said nothing. TD Jimmy Deenihan and Senator Ned O'Sullivan have also publicly supported the victim.
Town Councillors Tom Walsh (Mayor), Maria Gorman, Jackie Barrett-Madigan, Anthony Curtin and Denis Stack all refused to comment. The Kerryman's calls to councillors Tom Barry, Mikey Kennelly and Jimmy Moloney were not returned by time of going to press.
In a media conference on Saturday, the victim said the sympathy extended to her by Listowel Parish Priest, Canon Seamus Linnane, soon after her court ordeal was of particular comfort.
Councillor Tim O'Leary said people were 'appalled' at what happened in court, when 50 people queued to commiserate with convicted sex attacker Danny Foley: "I know myself from meeting people on the street, that they're appalled with what happened to her.."
Deputy Deenihan said Listowel would now be judged on its treatment of the victim.
"From the feedback I'm getting locally I think people are very supportive of her and do not want her ostracised."
Senator Ned O'Sullivan said: "I don't understand the support shown Mr Foley. Maybe it was a response to the strong support that was given by Fr Sheehy; I feel the strong position he took had a lot to do with it."
Listowel Chamber of Commerce was also unequivocal in a statement on Monday. "We do not condone the actions of this small group of people and we would offer our full sympathy and support to the victim and her family.
"We think the media portrayal of Listowel does not give a true and honest reflection of either the town or of its people," spokesperson Maura Logue said.
Meanwhile, Danny Foley, who was jailed for seven years for the sexual assault, has lodged a full appeal.
- MARISA REIDY AND DÓNAL NOLAN
