Michael O'Connor is aged 84, a former priest and a former President of St John's College.

He's still living in a house in the city that is owned by the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore.

In the mid 1990s, a complant was made against him by a then-adult woman about an alleged event when she was a child in the early 70s.

Michael O'Connor says he was interviewed by Gardai, a file was sent to the DPP, but no prosecution followed.

He has denied any wrongdoing and says he has never been charged with any offences in relation to such complaints.

In 2018, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan commissioned an inquiry into then Fr O'Connor, in accordance - he says - with church procedures.

And in a statement in 2024, Michael O'Connor was dismissed from the clerical state, meaning he is no longer a priest.

Last weekend, Michael O'Connor made headlines when he sat amongst a group of clergy at a funeral mass for a former colleague here in Waterford.

The Diocese of Waterford & Lismore later confirmed the former cleric was asked to move from the seat which he occupied.

Michael O'Connor declined to move - and the matter went no further on the day out of respect for the family of the deceased.

Yesterday (Thursday), after reflecting on the events of last weekend, Michael O'Connnor issued a media statement, taking issue with his dismisal from the priesthood after 56 years in the position.

He spoke to Damien Tiernan, and you can listen back by clicking on the image above...