Blackrock ‘old boys’ appeal new entry policy

Former students at one of the country’s top schools are being urged to join a campaign against "unjust state interference" in pupil admissions policy.

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan has signalled her intention to bring in new laws in the coming months to combat what she claims is inequality in school admissions. But ex-pupils of Blackrock College, including leading figures in the law courts, business, politics, sport and entertainment, are being told elements of the proposals are unjust and threaten their traditions.

In a letter to members of the Blackrock College Union, known as ‘Rockmen’, union president and senior barrister, Shane Murphy warned former students that the legislation would allow for the State to take control of the admission policies for all secondary schools.