It’s reported today that an 84-year old priest, charged with alleged sexual assault of a boy in Co Galway over 40 years ago, has died while awaiting trial.

84-year old Fr Francis Markey was due to appear in court in Monaghan later this year for allegedly raping a 15-year old boy in 1968 on a pilgrimage to Lough Derg.

It’s claimed the priest – who was regarded as a family friend – subsequently abused the same teenager after the funeral of the boy’s father in Co Galway.

Fr Markey was arrested by US marshals at his home in South Bend, Indiana in 2009 on connection with the alleged rape more than 40 years ago, and was extradited to Ireland in July 2010.

The delay in the trial arose because of his declining health.

The Irish Independent reports that the priest has died while awaiting trial.