All-Ireland final referee jailed for indecent assault of niece

Incredibly brave from the victim.

A former GAA referee has been jailed for six years and nine months for assaulting his niece, Maeve Leahy.

Thomas Howard, of Old Kilcullen, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting and having sexual contact with Ms Leahy over a ten-year period.

The abuse began in the mid-1980s, when she was three or four years old, up until she reached puberty.

The now 79-year-old is a former well-known GAA referee, who took charge of the 1993 All-Ireland final between Derry and Cork.

Ms Leahy bravely waived her anonymity, and issued a victim impact statement at Portlaoise Circuit Court on Thursday, November 13.

Judge Sinead McMullen said of the statement: "It set out very eloquently the effects the offences had had on her".

"She said it had twisted her understanding of the world and damaged her ability to form relationships."

Afterwards, Ms Leahy said: "I have an amazing family and an amazing support network, it’s been amazing, and people have been reaching out to me and it really does help."