Notorious paedophile Bill Kenneally dies in Laois prison
Kenneally died the week after a report into his abuse was published
Convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally has died in prison in Laois at the age 75.
Kenneally used his position as a basketball coach to abuse teenagers in Waterford in the 70s and 80s.
He was serving a jail term at Midlands Prison in Portlaoise after pleading guilty to 10 sample counts of indecently assaulting 10 boys and died on Thursday.
Last week, a report was published that found knowledge of his activities became known in Waterford to two senior Garda officers as well as a retired politician and senior clergyman in the late 1980s.
However, Kenneally was not brought to justice prior to a formal complaint in December 2012.
On Tuesday, some of his victims met with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and afterwards they said he committed to a full state apology, which they hope will be issued in the coming weeks.
The Irish Prison Service issued a statement and said: “The Irish Prison Service can confirm that there was a death of a person in custody at Midlands Prison on 18 June 2026.
All deaths in custody are investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant. The cause of death is determined by the Coroner’s Office.
Next of kin have been informed.”