Former Teacher And Rugby Coach At Terenure College Charged With 49 Counts Of Indecent Assault

Tuesday, 16 August 2022 16:49

By Caoimhe Harney

He was an English and drama teacher who also coached rugby at Terenure College for decades.

A former rugby coach and teacher has been charged with 49 counts of indecent assault on boys at a south Dublin school.

John McClean has not yet indicated how he will plead.

Mr McClean, 76, of Casimir Avenue, Harold's Cross, Dublin, was charged this morning with 49 counts of indecent assault of a number of boys at Terenure College in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was an English and drama teacher who also coached rugby at the school for decades before taking up a position as director of rugby at UCD in the 1990s.

He made no reply to the charges at Dublin District Court.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the accused face 'trial on indictment', meaning the case would go forward to the circuit court with wider sentencing powers.

The judge noted the DPP also consented to him being sent forward for sentencing on a signed plea if that arose.

Judge John King noted there was no objection to bail and ordered the accused to appear again in October when a book of evidence is to be served.

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