Letter from Br Richard Hendrick OFM Cap to the Editor of the Irish Times regarding an article published on the 1st of November 2025

Sir, 

I was most surprised to read in an Irish Times article last Saturday(1st November) that I had written a character reference for Mr. Terence Crosbie. I did no such thing. The article reads “Members of religious Congregations also wrote character letters for Crosbie, including Fr Richard Hendrick”

I do not know Terence Crosbie and I had previously refused to write a character reference for him. His parents were aware of this and understood my position. 

The letter reported as having been read to the court was a message of support for Mr. Crosbie’s parents who are known to me for many years.  It was not and neither was it intended that it would be used as a “character reference” for their son. I hope this makes the matter clear. 

Yours sincerely,

Fr Richard Hendrick