A Co Monaghan priest who was recently extradited to Ireland from the USA is to face sexual assault charges. He had been fighting extradition through the American Courts system since last year.

Father Francis Markey, originally from Carrickmacross, but now with an address at 546 Miller Court, Golden Oak Village, South Bound Indiana, appeared before Dublin District Court on Monday last charged under the Offences Against the Person Act.

The charges against the priest are alleged to have happened over 38 years ago. He is alledged to have raped a boy twice when the victim was then fifteen years old during a pilgrimage to Lough Derg, Co. Donegal, and again in Co.Galway, both in 1968.

82 year old Fr Markey who had served in Threemilehouse parish was remanded in custody to appear again before Loughrea District Court in Galway.