Abuse survivor Simon O’Toole on 'monster’ Bill Kenneally’s death

“Hell is not the proper place for him”.  


Just one week after the publication of a wide-ranging report into
the cover-up around one of Ireland’s most prolific and sadistic
child abusers, paedophile Bill Kenneally died in prison on
Thursday.  


Survivors estimate that Kenneally abused at least a hundred boys
and potentially many more, aided by the total impunity being a
member of a powerful political family conferred on
him.  


One of those boys, Simon O’Toole, was abused by Kenneally from
the age of 11. In today’s episode, he shares how he went from
being a clever, engaged child to an angry, hostile young man as
Kenneally’s abuse impacted every aspect of his life.  


He describes his battles with alcohol addiction and violence
during his forty-year struggle to deal with the impact of years
of sexual abuse, torture and degradation.  


After sixteen detoxes, eleven rehabs, and two dozen
hospitalisations, it was a conversation about giving up
alcohol with the New York nurse who saved his life that finally
forced him to confront what he was running from.  


At almost 60, Simon says the vindication of the report and
Kenneally’s death represent a turning point for him, and for the
11 year old boy who was “sacrificed” to protect powerful men’s
reputations.  


Warning: This episode contains detailed descriptions of
abuse and may be distressing for some listeners. 


If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this
episode , contact the 24 hour rape crisis hotline on 1800 77
8888. 


Bill Kenneally's victims in line for freedom of Waterford
city 


'He died a befitting death for a monster': Bill Kenneally victims
react to death 


Victims react as convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally dies in
prison aged 75 


Bill Kenneally and Waterford's open secret: The paedophile who
ran rampant through the city 


'He's pure evil': Bill Kenneally survivor recounts decades of
trauma and the struggle for justice


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