Gardaí seek leads after suspected school arson attack

A COMMUNITY yesterday rallied round the teachers, pupils and parents at a school devastated by a malicious weekend fire.

As gardaí continued their investigation into the blaze at the Convent Primary School in Mallow, Co Cork, offers of accommodation for the 70 pupils left without a classroom were flowing in to principal Anne Cox.

“We’ve had fantastic support from the community, who are all devastated. Hopefully, we’ll be able to bring the girls back in a few days when the building is deemed safe,” she said.

The oldest part of the school, dating back to 1910, bore the burnt of the damage. The fire was noticed at around midnight on Saturday and firefighters managed to contain the damage to the school hall and three adjoining classrooms used by first and second class pupils, and another room used for resource teaching and learning support classes.

However, all of the school’s 202 pupils must wait until the all-clear has been given before returning, after damage was caused to the school’s electrical systems and other services. Ms Cox said they have already planned some reshuffling to accommodate the affected classes within the school.

Luckily, the disruption did not put a dent in the preparations of the 22 sixth-class girls who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation tomorrow. They were able to put final touches to plans for their big day at the Church of the Ascension yesterday.

Caroline Barry, whose daughter Aisling is among them, said pupils may initially be happy about having a few days off but will be disappointed when they see part of their school destroyed.

“We had only bought the school a new sound system for the hall, and many of the computers we bought for teachers are gone as well. But we’ll keep on with our fundraising work and other activities,” said Ms Barry, chairwoman of the school’s parents’ association.

The events include a walk in nearby Doneraile Park next Sunday, which it is hoped will now get further support after the weekend’s terrible incident.

Deputy principal Margaret O’Connor, one of 40 teaching staff at the school, was particular-ly emotional about the damage.

“The school has a lot of history in the town. I was a pupil here myself and my daughters attended here as well,” she explained.

It is believed local youths hanging around the grounds on Saturday night may have started the fire, which began in rubbish just outside the premises. The fire spread to the building and spread further when a gas mains exploded.

Gardaí are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity on Saturday night in the Bathview area where the school is located to contact them.

“There is almost certainly a local connection in this and somebody has to know something that can help us,” a spokesperson said.

Any information can be given in confidence to Mallow Garda Station at 022 21105.