Bláthnaid Raleigh’s Fight for Justice After Rape in Galway

In a poignant reflection on trauma and resilience, Bláthnaid Raleigh details her harrowing experience of sexual assault and the subsequent legal battle in her new book, Aftermath. On a summer night in July 2019, while enjoying a night out in Galway with friends, Raleigh was attacked and raped by Jonathan Moran. For five years, she grappled with the aftermath of that night while Moran continued his life, unaware of the pain he had inflicted.

On July 1, 2024, justice was finally served when Moran was sentenced to eight years in prison. Raleigh’s narrative sheds light on the complexities of navigating a justice system that claims to prioritize victims, yet often leaves them feeling marginalized and unheard.

Facing the Trial

Raleigh describes her experience in the courtroom as both agonizing and necessary. During the trial, she sat beside her parents, listening intently to the evidence presented. Each detail served as a reminder of the events of that fateful night. “I’m sitting watching this battle for the truth argued out in front of me,” she writes. Without a conviction, she felt lost and constrained, unable to fully express her experience.

The courtroom became a space where her memories clashed with the legal proceedings. As she observed the testimony of Detective Garda Sharon Noone, who led the investigation, Raleigh felt a sense of urgency. The introduction of CCTV footage from the pubs they visited that night brought back vivid recollections. “I see him as he was that night, before he was a rapist, before he shattered my life,” she reflects, as she witnesses the footage of Moran mingling with her and her friends.

The Weight of Evidence

As the trial progressed, the burden of proof rested heavily on Raleigh. The phrase “beyond reasonable doubt” echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of the stakes involved. Each piece of evidence was scrutinized, and every witness’s statement was pivotal. “How many times have I weighed up those two words?” she poses, highlighting the pressure she felt throughout the legal process.

The emotional toll of reliving those memories was compounded when the footage shifted to a security camera outside the house where the party took place. The sight of herself and her friends entering the home juxtaposed against the reality of her assault was overwhelming. The critical moment captured on camera soon followed—Raleigh’s heart sank as she recognized the impending danger.

“I want to scream, reach out, grab her, pull her away,” she writes, reflecting on the feelings of helplessness and despair as she watched the footage. It was a stark reminder of the choices made that night, choices that would alter the course of her life forever.

Bláthnaid Raleigh is now a 27-year-old educator from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, who uses her experience to advocate for victims of sexual violence. In Aftermath, co-authored with Niall Kelly, she seeks to bring awareness to the challenges faced by survivors and to highlight the importance of reform in the justice system.

Her story is a testament to resilience and the struggle for justice, emphasizing that the path to healing is often fraught with obstacles. Through her powerful narrative, Raleigh hopes to inspire others to share their stories and advocate for change, ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and validated.