Sean Cloney, a Catholic, came from Dungulf, a short distance to the north of Fethard-on-Sea, while Sheila, a Church of Ireland Protestant, came from Johns Hill in the village itself.
The parish priest organised a boycott of the local Protestant population which was endorsed by Bishop Michael Brown.
[5] Éamon de Valera condemned the boycott on 4 July 1957 and called for Mrs Cloney to respect her promise and return with her children to her husband.
[8][9] The apology was accepted by his Anglican counterpart, Bishop John Neil of Ferns, "in the spirit of Christian love in which it had been offered.
"[10] Sean Cloney was one of the people from the area who complained about the behaviour of Father Seán Fortune, including child sexual abuse and stealing money.