THE FATHER of one of the whistleblowers who first exposed national coach George Gibney as a child abuser has said that swim coach Ger Doyle's case represents a 'victory' for the victims of sexual abuse.

Aidan O'Toole, inset, father of former Irish swimming star Gary O'Toole, has welcomed the six-and-a-half-year sentence imposed on former Irish Olympic coach Ger Doyle for sexually abusing boys, saying he is delighted that another paedophile has been exposed.

'Once he was found guilty that was great in itself. I would have given him one year for every charge he faced, but I am glad he was found guilty. The sentence is immaterial in one way,' said Aidan.

Aidan has been present on 'numerous occasions' in court during Ger Doyle's case and was in Wexford Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday when the sentencing was being handed down.

'It gives me personal satisfaction for my family and friends that another paedophile has been exposed. The main thing is that children in general have been saved by the exposure of these people in the courts and in other areas in sport,' he said.

As an executive member of the Irish Amateur Swimming Association, Aidan knew Ger and made acquaintances with his victims through various gala events and competitions. 'I was talking to some of the victims following the case and there are still a lot of them suffering. On Saturday, one of the victims rang me and said it was the first time he ever felt down about it,' explained Aidan, who says he has offered his support to Doyle's victims.

'I think they would see me as someone they can contact and they know I can support them,' he added.

However, Aidan always believed that once George Gibney was confronted more people would be willing to speak out and expose other abusers.

'I knew it was only the tip of the iceberg when Gibney was confronted.'