Courts / Ireland / Report

Principal tells court of feeling 'hunted' by Enoch Burke

Summary

A former principal of Wilson's Hospital secondary school in County Westmeath has given evidence in the High Court regarding allegations of misconduct against teacher Enoch Burke. Niamh McShane, who led the school until 2022, described Mr Burke's conduct at a religious service and subsequent dinner in June as disrespectful and unprofessional. Ms McShane said she had sought to accommodate Mr Burke's concerns about a request to staff regarding a student's preferred name and pronouns, but no compromise could be reached. She told the court that Mr Burke's public objections during the service, attended by students, staff and parents, were embarrassing and distressing. At a follow-up dinner, Ms McShane said she felt "hunted" when Mr Burke approached her twice. The school brought disciplinary proceedings against Mr Burke, who denies wrongdoing and claims his suspension was unlawful. The case is before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Principal tells court of feeling 'hunted' by Enoch Burke. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 2022 Other
• June 21 Other
• 2016 and 2022 Other
• 2023-03-29 Publication

Why: She also told the court that while she was presenting the report at a disciplinary meeting last January, which had been put on hold following Mr Burke's incarceration, she had to shout in order to be heard by the board, as members of the Burke family were shouting, saying that she could not be heard and that nobody was listening to her. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report