More allegations made against paedophile Michael Shine in past ten days than any period in last 15 years

Five new men have come forward with allegations in the last ten days, organisation Dignity4Patients told The Journal.

In recent weeks, the case of disgraced former surgeon Dr. Michael Shine has seen significant developments, with new victims coming forward and increased calls for a public inquiry into his decades-long abuse at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Ireland. Here’s a summary of the latest news based on available information:

• Surge in Allegations: Over the past ten days, more allegations of sexual abuse have been made against Michael Shine than in any similar period over the last 15 years. As of April 30, 2025, a total of 371 men have reported being sexually abused by Shine, who worked at the hospital from 1964 to 1995. This includes six new victims who came forward since the start of 2025, with cases spanning from 1964 to 1994. Among them is Thomas Ayres, a 75-year-old businessman from Wales, who was abused in 1964, and another victim, one of the youngest, abused in 1994.
• Victim Testimonies: Victims, including Gerard Murray, Cianan Murray, Larry Torris, Ian Russell, Peter O’Connor, and Ian Armstrong, have shared emotional accounts of abuse, some as young as four years old, at the hospital or Shine’s private rooms. These testimonies highlight the prolonged nature of Shine’s abuse and systemic failures, with claims that hospital authorities, run by the Medical Missionaries of Mary, knew of the abuse but failed to act.
• Push for Public Inquiry: Victims, represented by the advocacy group Dignity4Patients, are intensifying demands for a full public investigation. On April 30, 2025, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill met with victims and expressed commitment to finding a victim-led solution, potentially a Commission of Investigation or another model. She plans to discuss the matter with the Taoiseach and Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. Victims expressed “cautious optimism” after the meeting, though they remain critical of past inaction.
• Historical Context and Legal Challenges: Shine, now 94, was convicted in 2017 for indecent assaults on two teenage patients in the 1970s, but only nine of nearly 371 allegations have led to successful prosecutions. Legal barriers, including Shine’s age and health, have prevented further trials, with the Court of Appeal ruling in one case that it would be unjust to prosecute due to “cumulative factors.” A 15-year-old report on hospital procedures during Shine’s tenure remains unpublished but could potentially be released.
• Ongoing Impact: The case remains active, with Dignity4Patients noting that new victims continue to come forward, emphasizing that this is not a historical issue. There is concern that younger victims, potentially in their early 30s, may still be undisclosed. The advocacy group and victims stress the need for accountability, particularly regarding institutional knowledge and cover-ups.

The renewed attention to Shine’s case underscores the scale of his abuse and the urgency of addressing systemic failures. However, the information reflects only what has been reported, and the full extent of the abuse or institutional complicity remains under scrutiny. For further details, victims and advocates are pushing for transparency through a public inquiry, and developments may continue as more victims engage with Dignity4Patients or legal processes.