The former treasurer of Crossmaglen Rangers GAA club appeared in court today (Thursday) to deny child sex abuse allegations.
Thomas McKenna appeared in person at Newry Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, for a short arraignment hearing before Judge Patrick Lynch KC.
The 66-year-old from Crossmaglen in Co Armagh, who was dressed in a blue and white striped T-shirt, was flanked in the dock by two prison officers during the hearing.
When the first charge was put to him by the court clerk that he stood accused of indecently assaulting a male on dates between February 24, 1993 and February 25, 1994, the ex-postman, replied: “Not guilty.”
The clerk asked McKenna how he pleaded to a further 13 charges of indecent assault against the same complainant, he replied: “Not guilty.”
According to court papers, these alleged offences spanned dates from February 24, 1993 and February 25, 2000.
He further denied a charge of indecently assaulting a second male complainant on dates between May 31, 2001 and September 30, 2002.
McKenna also entered not guilty pleas to charges of sexual assault and inciting a person to engage in sexual activity against the same complainant.
The court papers state that these two offences are alleged to have been committed on dates between July 31, 2015 and September 1, 2015.
Defence barrister Kevin O’Hare told Judge Lynch that he was led in the case by Kevin Magill KC who is currently out of the jurisdiction.
“We are due to consult with the defendant next Tuesday and we would request 14 days for our defence statement to be lodged,” said Mr O’Hare.
Prosecution barrister Fiona O’Kane, led by Charles MacCreanor KC, said that witnesses in the case had been agreed by both parties.
She told the court that there would be applications for special measures on behalf of both complainants.
Judge Lynch agreed to move the case back to Newry Crown Court to be mentioned on Thursday, September 17, 2026, before Judge Paul Ramsey KC.
McKenna was told that he was not required to attend that hearing as it was for administrative purposes only.
