An 82-year-old priest has been granted bail after appearing in court in Co Galway on two charges of sexually assaulting a boy over four decades ago.
The priest appeared before Loughrea District Court charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy at separate locations in the west of Ireland in 1968.
The priest, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded to appear before Loughrea District Court on 1 September.
Garda Inspector Michael Coppinger said that a book of evidence was being prepared.
Defending solicitor Vincent Shannon said that his client suffers from a number of ailments and had mobility difficulties.
Mr Shannon said that a suitable accommodation had been found for him in Dublin.
The accused priest did not speak during the brief hearing.
Judge Geoffrey Browne granted bail on the man's own surety of €2,400 and independent surety of €10,000.
He ordered that the priest surrender his passport and report weekly to a garda station in Dublin close to the address where he will reside.
