'The damage he inflicted remains' - niece of prominent GAA referee speaks out on how he indecently assaulted her as a child

"Thomas Howard was in charge of 1993 Derry-Cork All-Ireland final"

"A prominent former GAA referee has been told he can expect a prison term when he is sentenced next month for indecently assaulting his niece from when she was three or four years old until she reached puberty."

"Thomas Howard (79), of Old Kilcullen, Co Kildare, appeared before Judge Sineád McMullen for sentencing at Tullamore Circuit Court yesterday, when details were revealed of how he had manipulated and coerced Maeve Leahy in the mid-1980s and 1990s."

Thomas Howard, 79, of Old Kilcullen, Co Kildare, is expected to receive a prison term when sentenced next month for indecently assaulting his niece. The assaults began when the victim was three or four years old and continued until she reached puberty. Howard served as a prominent GAA referee and was in charge of the 1993 Derry-Cork All-Ireland final. He appeared before Judge Sineád McMullen at Tullamore Circuit Court for sentencing. Court information states that Howard manipulated and coerced Maeve Leahy during the mid-1980s and 1990s.

Read at Independent