Former Swimming Coach George Gibney Convicted of Sexual Abuse
Former Irish swimming coach George Gibney has been found guilty of sexually abusing four young swimmers in the 1970s and 1980s, including one count of attempted rape.
The 77-year-old was convicted of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned its verdicts this afternoon after more than seven hours of deliberation.
Gibney had originally faced 79 charges but pleaded guilty to five counts at the beginning of the trial. He pleaded not guilty to the remaining 74 charges.
The abuse took place across various locations in South Dublin, including Glenalbyn swimming pool in Stillorgan and Trojans swim club at Newpark Sports Centre in Blackrock. The court heard the abuse also occurred in Gibney's car while giving the girls lifts to and from training, in their beds, and in his house while two of the girls were babysitting for him.
Prosecuting counsel James Dwyer SC told the court that Gibney "exploited his position of authority by sexually abusing the young girls entrusted in his care."
One victim, who was 13 when the abuse began, described how Gibney first assaulted her at a disco at Newpark Sports Centre, leading her to his office and pushing her against his desk. She became emotional in court as she recalled seeing her mother waiting in the car park through the office window while the abuse was taking place.
Another victim, who was around eight or nine when the abuse began, described how Gibney would enter the girls' changing room and "use any excuse to put his hands on your body." The abuse escalated over a four-year period, culminating in an attempted rape when she was 12 in a changing room at Newpark during a swim camp in August 1975.
A third victim told the court she was "so ashamed" as a child and that swimming had been her life until Gibney assaulted her in the changing rooms. She eventually returned to the sport later in life.
The fourth victim, aged 13 at the time, described how Gibney put his hand on her knee in his car while giving her a lift to training. When she told him to stop or she would tell her father, he responded that she was "too ugly anyway."
Mr Justice Mícheál P. O'Higgins has remanded Gibney in custody until sentencing on 29 July.
Following the verdicts, there were emotional scenes in court as the women hugged friends, supporters, and gardaí.
LTT Media — 6 July 2026