Bill Kenneally, a convicted abuser who was serving a 19-year prison term for the historical sexual abuse of boys in Waterford, has died at the age of 75.
He passed away in the early hours of this morning at Midlands Prison, where he was receiving medical attention from the prison healthcare team. Kenneally had been behind bars for more than ten years and was not scheduled for release until 2030. He had been dealing with serious ongoing health complications and was under palliative care at the time.
The Irish Prison Service has confirmed the death of a prisoner at the facility. In line with standard procedure, the incident will be examined by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons, and An Garda SÃochána as required, while the official cause of death will be determined by the Coroner. His next of kin have been notified.
The news comes on the same day that a long-awaited final report from the Commission of Investigation into the handling of abuse complaints against the former basketball coach is expected to be released. It also follows closely after the announcement that the State will issue a full and formal apology to Kenneally’s victims and survivors.
