The Assault and Its Aftermath
Six years ago, Bláthnaid Raleigh experienced a violent sexual assault in Galway, Ireland, perpetrated by Jonathan Moran. Moran was later sentenced to nine years in prison with one year suspended, five years after the incident.
Personal Impact and Legal Journey
The assault resulted in extensive physical injuries, requiring months of treatment. Raleigh reported significant impacts on her life, leading to feelings of sadness, anger, and isolation. Daily activities, including showering, became challenging, and she withdrew from social activities she once enjoyed.
Daily activities, including showering, became challenging, and she withdrew from social activities she once enjoyed.
For five years between the assault and conviction, Moran could not be publicly named. Raleigh later waived her right to anonymity following Moran's conviction to allow his name to be publicized.
Mullingar Rugby Club's Reaction
Moran was a well-known player at Mullingar Rugby Football Club, where Raleigh's family also had strong ties. Raleigh's brother subsequently left the club to join a rival team due to Moran's continued presence. Mullingar RFC expelled Moran and issued a public statement condemning the act.
However, Raleigh expressed disappointment with the club's overall response, citing a perceived lack of acknowledgment for the pain caused to her family and a general lack of outreach from club members. She noted that the club had to be prompted to remove photos celebrating Moran from their social media.
Raleigh expressed disappointment with the club's overall response, citing a perceived lack of acknowledgment for the pain caused to her family and and a general lack of outreach from club members.
Raleigh also highlighted concerns about rugby's reputation regarding sexual violence, referencing other high-profile cases, and advocated for sporting organizations to take a stronger stance on such issues.
Recovery Through Sport and Advocacy
Raleigh sought to regain control and improve her well-being through physical activity. She found running difficult due to panic but later joined a boxing gym. Boxing provided a sense of control, an outlet for anger and guilt, and a mental distraction due to its technical nature. Sparring, particularly with men, presented an initial challenge, but she found the gym to be a welcoming and safe environment, helping her to overcome fear and develop a sense of self-protection and achievement.
During the five years following the attack and preceding the trial, Raleigh credits her involvement with horseriding and showjumping as crucial to her coping process. Her horses provided a non-negotiable routine that helped her maintain focus and motivation. Raleigh now views her goals in horseriding as a significant driving force in her life and competitive sport.