Former Good Counsel Student Speaks Out About Abuse

A former boarding student of Good Counsel College in New Ross, Co. Wexford has shared a harrowing account of physical and emotional abuse endured while under the care of his housemaster, John Condon, in the early 2000s.

Now in his 30s, Paidi Manning has spoken publicly about the years of trauma he faced, aiming to encourage other survivors to come forward.

Reflecting on his time at the school, he described being physically assaulted with a T-square, humiliated in front of other students and psychologically manipulated over a two-year period. 

The abuse went unreported at the time, in part because he was underdiagnosed with ADHD, dyspraxia and autism and did not understand that what he experienced constituted abuse. Years later, conversations with child protection experts helped him recognize the severity of his experience and motivated him to take action.

He submitted a detailed statement to Tusla, Ireland’s Child and Family Agency, which upheld his allegations, confirming that his account was consistent and supported by corroborating testimony. Despite this, the former housemaster has continued to work in educational roles, a fact that has heightened the survivor’s concern for the safety of others.

Now, he is speaking out to support other victims. “If you experienced abuse or saw it happen to someone else, I strongly encourage you to come forward,” he said. He hopes that by sharing his story, more survivors will feel empowered to seek justice and support.

Paidi's full interview can be listened back to on the podcast section of our website where the morning mix is podcasted daily.