Derry O’Rourke has been jailed for ten years for raping a teenage girl over three decades ago.

The 78-year-old former Irish Olympic swimming coach already has a long list of previous convictions for abusing children, going as far back as 1970.

Former Irish National and Olympic swimming coach Derry O'Rourke is led out of The Central Criminal Court after he was given a 12 Year sentence for sexually abuse of young female swimmers, 30-01-1998. Image: RollingNews

Before passing sentence, Ms Justice Melanie Greally commended the woman, now in her 40s, for the immense courage and dignity she showed as she confronted her abuser yesterday.

Through her victim impact statement yesterday, the woman told him how he had left a mark on every aspect of her life.

She also described the revisiting of what happened to her when she was just 13 and 14yo as ‘harrowing’.

Earlier this month, a jury convicted Derry O’Rourke of raping and sexual assaulting the then teenage girl after inviting her to join his renowned swim team.

The judge noted his late apology for contesting the trial but said it “rings hollow.”

She also noted his advanced age and poor health but said she had to mark what he did with a prison sentence of ten years.

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact the Rape Crisis Centre National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888