Enoch Burke sacked for harassing colleague, breaching student's confidence, High Court told

At the High Court, Wilson's Hospital School in County Mayo presented evidence on the third day of proceedings arising from the dismissal of teacher Enoch Burke. The school's board representative, Freda Malone, and Deputy Principal John Galligan testified that Burke had intimidated and harassed a colleague and breached the confidence of a student requesting to be referred to by a different name and pronoun. Both witnesses characterised his conduct as gross misconduct. The court heard that Burke made public comments opposing the school's accommodation at a June 2022 dinner event and subsequently refused to leave school premises in breach of his suspension terms, leading to contempt of court proceedings. Burke, who denies wrongdoing and contends the disciplinary action violates his rights, was excluded from the courtroom for interrupting proceedings. He may return upon agreeing to comply with the court's rulings. The case was adjourned pending conclusion.