The father of schoolboy Robert Holohan today spoke of how much he dreads his son’s anniversary.

WHEN Majella and Mark Holohan entered Midleton Courthouse for the inquest into their son’s death, yesterday, their determined bearing left no doubt that they wanted further answers as to what happened Robert Holohan at the hands of Wayne O’Donoghue on January 4, 2005.

THE parents of Midleton schoolboy Robert Holohan yesterday asked a senior garda whether he thought there was a sexual motive to the manslaughter of their son.

The inquest into the death of schoolboy Robert Holohan got underway in Midleton this afternoon.

“NO words I say will console those parents,” said grieving mother Annette Wall. She was expressing sympathy for Majella and Mark Holohan after the killer of their son Robert was jailed for four years yesterday.

Wayne O'Donoghue was today sentenced to four years in jail for the manslaughter of Cork schoolboy Robert Holohan, but Robert's mother, Majella, has said her family would appeal the sentence.

HIGH on his pedestal like a doge, Mr Justice Paul Carney gave the nod for the satellite link to begin.

AT 2.30pm sharp, State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy swept through the atrium of Cork City Courthouse in a blonde blur, before stepping smartly into courtroom number two of the Central Criminal Court.

IT’S said that a parent should never have to bury a child.

ROBERT Holohan’s father was questioned yesterday about his late son’s temper tantrums and Mr Holohan said there were times he had to slap him on the legs and tell him to stop.

Robert Holohan’s father was questioned today about his late son’s temper tantrums and Mr Holohan said there were times he had to slap him on the legs and tell him to stop.

It was a terrible thing to happen, and if it happened in England or the US you wouldn’t have given it a second thought, the man said.

“WE love him very, very much — all we want is Robert back safe at home. That’s the only thought we’re holding on to now.”

Sean O’Riordan

Majella and Mark Holohan said they were baffled by their eldest son’s disappearance.

A Co Cork father today appealed for the safe return of his missing 11-year-old son.