A former Ennis Under Age hurling manager who abused two young boys over a several year period has been jailed for two years.
69 year old James Tony Maher of Clonroad Beg had admitted to 18 seperate courts of indecently assaulting his young victims in 1980’s
In sentencing James Tony Maher at Ennis Circuit Court today Judge Moran said that the abuse of the two young boys by the 69 year ol dwas "unacceptable" and had taken place over a protracted period of time.
He added that the former Chairman, PRO and founding member of the Ennis based Banner GAA club carried out a breach of trust in abusing one of the victims whom got to know as an under age hurling manager.
Earlier the court heard he began abusing his first young victim when he was just twelve and the abuse continued 1984- just months from his 15th birthday.
Tony Maher’s met his second victim as was hitching a lift out of Ennis and subsequently began abusing him in 1983 when he was 11, with the incidents of indecent assault occouring in the 69 year old’s car, on the grounds of the Banner Gaa Club and in the toilets of Clare County Council’s offices.
Today Judge Caroll Moran took into account that Mr Maher had pleaded guilty, hadn’t reoffended and had no previous convictions –
However he added that a jail term could not be avoided in the case and imposed a two year jail term on all counts.
