The recent resignation of Bishop Brendan Comiskey of Ferns, in response to renewed controversy over sexual abuse by priests in his diocese, is by no means the first time the high profile clergyman has been in the eye of a media storm. However, in 1996, when he returned to Ireland to face the press and public after receiving treatment for alcoholism, he was given a much easier time by the assembled ranks of the Fourth Estate.

...That is, with the exception of one journalist, Liam Fay, who filed this memorable account for Hot Press of the then Bishop's much-trumpeted, ostensibly soul-bearing press conference.

Click here to read Liam Fay's account in full.