The Diocese of Dromore has auctioned the contents of a former Catholic bishop’s residence in Newry to help compensate victims of clerical abuse.

According to the BBC the sale is part of a wider effort to raise funds following legal cases brought by survivors of abuse by the late Fr Malachy Finegan, a former headmaster and parish priest accused of widespread child sexual abuse.

The Bishop’s House, located off Newry’s Armagh Road, was identified in 2023 as an asset that could be sold to meet the diocese’s financial obligations.

Now, the diocese has also used the sale of the house’s furniture, artwork, and ornaments to fund safeguarding measures and victim compensation.

Hundreds of items from the house, including wall cabinets, sofas, and decorative pieces, were auctioned this week.

Among the most notable pieces was a rare marble-topped table from Tandragee Castle, purchased by a priest in the 1950s. Originally valued at €8,000 (£6,700), it sold for €33,600 (£28,000), drawing interest from international bidders.

The auction, managed by Victor Mee Auctions, attracted buyers from across Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Before the sale, the Bishop’s House was opened to the public for viewing, with around 700 people visiting over three days.

The Diocese of Dromore has been under significant financial strain due to abuse settlements, with some victims receiving six-figure sums, including one man awarded £400,000.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, who now oversees the diocese, has acknowledged the Church’s failures and apologised to victims.

He also noted that parts of the diocese’s land could be used for housing development in Newry.

The former Bishop’s House remains up for sale, with discussions ongoing about its future. Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue regarding the diocese’s handling of abuse claims and safeguarding responsibilities.