started · updated
Priest Edward Gallagher pleads guilty to 109 sex offences
Edward Gallagher, a 59-year-old priest, has pleaded guilty to 109 sex offences at Derry Crown Court. The charges, which occurred between June 2023 and April 2025, include attempted sexual communication with a child under 16, possession of indecent images of children, possession of an extreme pornographic image, and attempting to encourage children to engage in sexual activity.
Following the guilty plea, Bishop Michael Router of the Diocese of Derry announced he is petitioning the Holy See to have Gallagher permanently removed from the clerical state. Gallagher had been suspended from all priestly duties and ministry following his arrest in April 2025.
Bishop Niall Coll of the Diocese of Raphoe also addressed the case, describing the offences as “extremely grave” and noting the profound sense of betrayal felt across the community. Gallagher is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
Entities
Diocese of Derry · Edward Gallagher · Michael Router · Niall Coll · Vatican
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Edward Gallagher pleaded guilty to 109 sex offences at Derry Crown Court. www.derrydaily.net · www.donegaldaily.com · highlandradio.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Bishop Michael Router has written to the Vatican seeking the permanent dismissal of Gallagher from the clerical state. www.derrydaily.net · highlandradio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bishop Niall Coll described the offences as extremely grave and noted a sense of betrayal. www.donegaldaily.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The offences occurred between 22 June 2023 and 18 April 2025. www.derrydaily.net · www.donegaldaily.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Gallagher is scheduled to be sentenced in December. www.derrydaily.net · www.donegaldaily.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Charges include attempted sexual communication with a child under 16, possession of indecent images, and attempting to encourage sexual activity. www.derrydaily.net · www.donegaldaily.com