Questions and Answers - Ryan Commission - Michael O' Brien Responds
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- This is a clip from Irish television current affairs programme Questions and Answers. The person speaking is Michael O' Brien; a former mayor and childhood victim of sexual, emotional and physical abuse at Catholic-run industrial schools.
The entire show can be watched here (realplayer required): www.rte.ie/news...
A report on the abuse which affected tens of thousands of Irish children can be downloaded in PDF format here: www.childabusec...
Various articles on this issue can be found here: www.independent...
A transcript of Michael O' Brien's response can be read here: willknott.ie/20...
Thanks to kingkane152 - / kingkane152 - and other youtube users who posted this clip.
No matter how old this is or how often you watch it, his words and anger will never lose their power over what was done to him. Haunting imagery he paints but infinite respect to him to have said this on national television.
Hate to burst your bubble but he has admitted he made it up - not a well man unfortunately.
@@st3720 No he hasn't, do you have a source for that?
@@st3720 shite
Mr E. Cartman
I was unaware that he had admitted it. Do you have a link or reference? These fools here don't realise it is all a collective fantasy and will deny it even if you provide evidence.
I got this from Irish Salem. I don't know if you are aware of the sites (one website the other blog) by Rory Connor. His blog has only five followers, including him and me!
"During the 1999 interview on a local radio station, O'Brien expresses sympathy for victims of sexual abuse who suffered at the hands of the notorious Rosminian abuser at Ferryhouse, Brother Sean Barry. He goes on to say: "But I must say, and I have to say it here and now, because I had to meet my family when this came out. And say it never happened to me, I never seen it happening, I never heard of it happening in my seven years in Ferryhouse. I never seen or heard of it."
Although O'Brien acknowledges in the interview that he was subjected to physical abuse and deprivation at Ferryhouse, he also pays tribute to the Rosminians and says that this was the state's fault, not Ferryhouse.
"We were left there to those brothers and those priests to become our parents, and look after us. And as far as I'm concerned, 99.9% of them done a good job... out of every group, no matter what organisation you're in, you'll find bad eggs, Ferryhouse is my home. And I will defend it to the end as long as I live, because I was reared by them." ....."
irishsalem.blogspot.com/search/label/Michael%20O%27Brien
And we owe this particular scoop to Christine Buckley, the well-known fantasist, of all people! The 'victims' groups had fallen out over money. Unfortunately clear refutations of the fantasy only crop up now and then (but more often than one might imagine). This one here reminds me of the famous cinema queue scene in Annie Hall, where Woody Allen pulls in Marshall McLuhan from out of shot to back him up in an argument and says to camera, "If only life could be like this."
Anyone who wants to understand all of this has to read Irish Salem.
Back in those dark days, people weren't just going to England for economic reasons. Some were going to escape the smothering blanket of the catholic church and some of it's perverted, twisted and evil personell.
I was sitting a few seats away from Mr. O'Brien that night. We were all stunned. The power of it. A great man.
is the man still alive ?
Looks that way, he must be really getting on now. It would be great if we could do a fundraiser for him and whether it's a holiday or directing the money to charities, I'm sure he's of good character to use it.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_O%27Brien_(Fianna_F%C3%A1il_politician)
What a wonderful man to be able to speak out and gives us some idea of what the truth was.
Michael O'Brien, this moment when you spoke out is legendary. It was a silent and secretive culture that allowed these things to happen to you, and we haven't changed as much as we like to think, but thank you for being part of the change.
No, it wasn't a silent and secretive culture. These things were not heard of because they did not happen. See my comment above.
@@seancoleman5021 You were an idiot, lets hope you changed in the past 2 years
@@user-jk9zr3sc5h Let's hope not. Why am I an idiot? Please try to use reason and evidence if you want to reply.
@@seancoleman5021 do you believe that this stuff didnt happen?
@@seancoleman5021 What the hell are you talking about and I use to hear my own father who was WITH HIM in that hellhole also jump out of the bed roaring? shame on you.
A truly valiant man and don't forget his wife. Took care of him during his night terrors and saved his life. The pair of them deserved so much more care and respect than they got.
One of the greatest moments in Irish history.
No, it is a national embarrassment. See my comment below.
😪😪❤
This man is a hero. I hope the clergy are held accountable there like they have been here in America.
+rickyd0821 Lol, but the vast majority have not been held accountable in any substantial way. Most priests abuse have just been covered up and they were simply moved form parish to parish. This who helped covered it up have had no real punishment. Look at Cardinal Bernard Law...
Freakin gut wrenching even after 11 years later. Hairs on the back of my neck still raises hearing this man’s voice.
This leaves me speechless. Michael is incredible. When he spoke about waking in the night.... Nothing can change his horrific past but I hope he knows the love and sorrow and pain that so many people feel for him.
after the long list of schools was published this week in Ireland, where systematic sexual & physical abuse took place by people in trusted positions, I was reminded of this piece. thanks for uploading.
One of the most powerful moments of Irish television. I remember watching this live and it hasn't lost any of its impact.
This will never not hurt to watch. He shows such incredible bravery, truly a hero.
I will never forget this.it should be showed in schools of what a country we where and what a great man who spoke.
He is unbelievably composed talking about such a horrible ordeal that he went through
It makes me so angry and upset. They still won’t acknowledge what he just said!!! So bloody scared for these bloody job. My heart goes out to all the victims and know what it’s like to be not believed or supported.
I have just received watched this on RTE. It makes your flesh creep. Absolutely stunning. This man has helped to change this country for ever.
This is so powerful.. I’m so sorry for the guy, what courage to speak up like this.. I hope he finds some peace...
This man is a legend, an absolute legend! I would not like to be the TD's on the receiving end of this hero's truthful words
Good for Mr. Michael O'Brien for having the courage to speak out. Anyone who thinks he is lying isn't from this planet. That is genuine pain, anger and hurt.
Michiel me and my brother have been through what you went through I know your pain and our hearts go out to you.our story is in the sun news paper this week we will fight for justice stay strong.our thoughts are with you.all the best Joseph and bobby xx
Leo Varadkar never clapped.
Poor man, he deserves so much respect. May the church and all other religions crumble and fall.
The states and enemies of the Church will fall, the Church will stand till the end of times.
standev1 You keep right on thinking that. And I’m. The meantime you indirectly support this crap to continue to happen.
Powerful and gut wrenching. Things like this should never happen. Humans can be wonderful people but we are a horrible evil species.
You shouldn't blame everyone for evil actions of the few.
I am the granddaughter of Michael O'Brien sister Elizabeth who was 10 months old when taken into care, I only recently learned of their childhood and it breaks my heart. I have never met or spoken to my grandmother Elizabeths family, makes me proud to see her brother stand up for the abuse they endured
Hi Lucy, I am Michael’s Grandson. Let me know if you have any questions about the family and I’ll see if I can help.
I cried the first time i heard this man on RTE last year. The abuse victims have suffered so much and our church protected the abusers in the same way the government is protecting the bank managers now
My father confirmed every word that man said , I am sitting in London 2024 and I am in tears it is as if I am hearing my father speaking again, he said those very same words to me and I am sorry this is to painful I have to stop and leave it there sorry its to upsetting .
@derekstynes9631 very sorry to hear that your father went through this too ❤ it's horrendous
I know this man and his family and it was heartbreaking what happened to him in my own family 3 of us were abused by priests so I understand his pain
I am the granddaughter of Michael O'Brien sister Elizabeth who was 10 months old when taken into care, I only recently learned of their childhood and it breaks my heart. I have never met or spoken to my grandmother Elizabeths family, makes me proud to see her brother stand up for the abuse they endured
PLEASE HELP. This amazing man is my great uncle, I am the grandaughter of his brother john obrien, and i have been very interested into what happened to my grandfather and his brothers and sisters, to hopefully get in touch with my family one day. My grandad moved to scotland and settled in paisley.All i have is a few family photgraphs taken at the town hall of the full family at the time when michael was councilor. My mum, dad and three brothers all visted the family along with my grampa before i was born and i would like to know if anyone could put me in touch with my fanily so i can take him over one last time.
hi naomi my dad was miceals brother tom the oldest of the o'briens
My great uncle to 👍 my grandad was tom O'Brien
TH-cam family reunion?
what an amazing amazing man, we owe him so so much more, they deserve all the help and support in the world
The trauma & devastation caused to this man is so clearly demonstrated in the raw pain and emotion in his voice. Utterly heartbreaking what he & all the others went through when in the ‘care’ of our government & Catholic Church. Unforgivable
One of the greatest moments on Irish television
My heart goes out to this poor man. Those poor children suffered so much…
This is so powerful.
May the Spirit of Michael O' Brien live forever. Real truth talking is so powerful and all the stupid barristers in the country cannot put out the fire.
One of the most powerful moments on irish tv well done for speaking up M.OBrien....I'm so surprised some of the panel did not clap pathetic politicians.. ...no compassion
god love that poor man for what he suffered. I am close to tears every time I see this post. The only way victims like himself will ever get piece of mind of what happened to them is if the names of the christian brothers or nuns that abused the children where mentioned. Ashame those monters that were suppose to care for the children.
wow! i'm moved to tears
Powerful speech great man
heartbreaking, what a powerful moment, the courage is unbelievable
I wish I could give him a hug. He is a legend. Links to transcript and full program don’t work😞.
Imagine! Treating a man who was abused, like that! No longer can we respect these people who pretented to be God like. They ruined Irish young men and we are still feeling the effects.
All these years later and I just cried watching this , how any ( adult ) can do such a thing to a child ? It should only only be punished with the ultimate sentence 💉💉💉
This guy really does put things into perspective. It is easy to joke about these priests but the reality is shown here.
poor poor man. The horror, my heart breaks for this poor man.
I hope in my heart one day those voices gets justices..
Well said!!
This is what courage looks like.
OMG! Heartbreaking!
The Constitution Should've Been Changed A Long Time Ago.
It isn't obvious to me that a change in the constitution would fix these problems or give people like Michael peace. Prosecution should be the first step; let justice rain down on those who are guilty.
Everyone on that panel,should be put infront of a court of law,and given a few years hard labour.To think they run the country now is very much tragic.
😭 What a brave man.
I love him so so much.
None of those politicians give two shites about this. Hollow suits fixed on money and power.
Wonderful man
Heartbreaking 😢
That Poor Man, BLESS his Soul xxxxxxxxx
Church still getting away with it with the latest attempt to pull a fast one. Bill almost passed to make all the Ryan report findings secret for 75 years.
Just watched the programme on tv ..was a very hard watch
@nick260682 I AM WITH YOU 100% I hope this brings this corrupt, rotten, stinking institution down to rubble. forever.
T.T
Goddamn this is sad...
Remember Wexford?
What did that mean?
Good question.
John Baird possibly related to the Ferns inquiry
BBC still have Question time,Simular to this. Why was Questions and answers been put off the air.
An evil corporation that had huge influence and control in Ireland for decades.
I wish I could see the whole program is that possible?
God love you complete hero!
i was in the school with this man and after he was offered money from the rosmanians and excepted .before the commission inquiry ,yes he was abused but so was i and many more much more .many boys died here ileft broken
People always tell the truth through rage.The 7 barristers can go home with their tails between their legs.This video should be showen,in every case against the church and their state sponsors. Just to confirm,my father was a victim of this evil cult,he was questioned for 3 days. He was taken by a Christian Brother to Dollymount Strand in Dublin,in this Brothers Car,from Artane,and told to unzip his trousers,the brother went on and asked to see "His Micky" My Father said years later,when it was in the Media,I'm going to see about this. Like the poor man talking in the video,my Father said "It's not for the money"It's about abuse of Children. The Crime he got commited for was "Stealing Apples"Jeezo eh..I'm Glad he got a settlement of 75 thousand pound,he enjoyed his last days going to and fro from Scotland to Dublin. The Catholic Church as a whole should practise what they preach,send the lot of them to Confession. Remember Wexford?
Gut wrenching stuff. The abuses the institution of the Catholic Church inflicted on innocent children and women in our country in collusion with the state would make your blood boil. Nothing has changed. Hand over their records, fully compensate and say sorry to these poor people and maybe then the church has some chance of surviving in Ireland.
Wow.
Excellent! Luboman 411.
Brilliant! 100% Correct!
Holy shit this guy learned how to speak
Put this on the end of youtube / watch?v=9jHqndf9Kx4
It has annotations too.
they are called "Father" to specifically USURP AUTHORITY (SEIZE FATHERHOOD) FROM THE TRUE AUTHOR.
Sadly this happened in every country, there's no bigger evil than religions.
"Government is the problem, not the solution."
Ronald Reagan (another upstanding Tipp man)
nice
As a Christian, and proud to say I try and follow the examples of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, the RC church was in collusion with the state here in Ireland. All I can say is this brings me to my knees. The people in Ireland have turned away from god for the sins of the Catholic Church, I can tell you the Bible has never taught to hurt anyone. Even our enemies we are to love. I ask why do the Catholic Church not have Bible studies why is the vast majority of people who call themselves Roman Catholic have not looked at the bible. I can tell you once people realize how many times the church have lied to them, there would even be less people calling themselves RC. Don't blame God for the sins of man. Open a Bible and you'll soon discover what the Catholic Church preachers is not even close to what the very Bible the priest's are reading. If you keep people ignorant of the truth then it's very easy to control them. Please go back to God. It will change your whole Life. The peace that comes for God surpasses all human understanding.
Do you not have the self awareness to realise that a man pouring out his soul from the abuses he suffered isn't an appropriate opportunity for you to proselytise your own flavour of Christianity. What you have written here is so tone deaf, it only serves to demonstrate how little empathy underlies your Christian beliefs.
> Please go back to God. It will change your whole Life
Congratulations, you have managed to use the same rhetoric that was used to silence and suppress abuse victims. "Please go back to God. It will change your whole Life", sorry I didn't realise that going back to God somehow stops you from having been raped and suffering trauma for your entire life.
Although I have every sympathy for what this guy went through, ranting and shouting at the panellists on a political debate show achieves nothing. I am amazed that hh was allowed rant on
+brenh112 I think you are in the minority. He gave a very eloquent account of the suffering of victims. Everyone of the panel, all well-educated and powerful people, could see that he had something to say. It wasn't a rant, a rant is when somebody makes a lot of noise without actually saying anything. And, by the way, you don't sound very sympathetic to me.
+brenh112 This was a perfect place to do it. The exposure was great, and if they tried to shut him down it would effect their public images. And this was not a rant.
Many other victims of this abuse suffered a lot worse than this guy, but they don't come on a political debate show and shout at the panelists. He is making a total fool of himself .
brenh112 So he's supposed to keep quiet about his abuse, just like he was supposed to keep quiet for the past 50+ years? He is anything but a fool, what kind of reaction do you expect from someone who was beaten and raped? "Many other victims of this abuse suffered worse than this guy". The man said he was beaten for over an hour non-stop by 2 people, and also raped. Please, enlighten me on the abuse these "many other victims" suffered that was "worse than this guy". I'm sure you want them to keep quiet about their abuse too.
+brenh112 Michael O'Brien had immense courage and said things that needed to be said in public. The attitude above is exactly why this country is in
trouble in the first place.. Obviously brenh112 didn't hear anything
that was said.There's only one fool here and it's not Michael O'Brien, or maybe you're a troll.
Are you related to one of the abusers or something? What's with your discomfort at his honesty? This eloquent and raw rage is EXACTLY what this country needed to hear. I applaud this man for his outstanding bravery.
my dad was micheals brother , and spent 8 years in ferryhouse , you know f-ck all dont comment on things you know nothing about !!!!!!!!!!!!!
不幸的童年，需要用一生去治愈