Waterford students spark ‘melee’ in public park

A Waterford secondary school has apologised to the people of the city after a graduation ceremony for its Leaving Certificate students descended into a “melee” in a public park that has left a mess for the local council to clean up.

Reports claim that some pupils burned schoolbooks and uniforms on Wednesday night in the People’s Park, adjacent to De La Salle College, which held its graduation ceremony on the same night.

It was further reported that broken bottles and cans were found strewn across the park following the incident.

In a statement yesterday the school said it apologises “unreservedly to the people of Waterford for the behaviour of some of our students” and would explore disciplinary action against those involved.

“Their behaviour in the Peoples Park brought nothing but shame on themselves and on the college,” it said in a statement issued by acting principal Frank O’Callaghan.

“What happened was inexcusable and completely unacceptable. lt was not a harmless prank or some rite of passage at the end of sixth-year.

“It is very sad that this incident occurred after what was a very successful and uplifting graduation ceremony. This behaviour runs counter to the ethos and spirit of De La Salle College which emphasises respect and responsible behaviour at all times.

“We are exploring the options available to us including the very real possibility of disciplinary action against the students who participated in the melee in the park. We will co-operate fully with An Garda Siochana in this matter. We will also contact Waterford City Council to see how we might facilitate the clean-up of the park.”

The Leaving Cert exams begin next Wednesday, June 3, with English Paper 1.

DISCOVER MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS