School principal sacked in religious education row

A school principal in Co Meath has been sacked in a row over religious education.

Tomas O' Dualaing had been principal of an interdenominational Gaelscoil, Thulach na n-Og, in Dunboyne.

The school’s board of management suspended Mr O Dualaing in April, as he objected to a directive that Catholic pupils should be prepared for Holy Communion during school hours.

He claimed this would be confusing to Protestant children and amounted to segregation.

The former principal did receive the backing of some members of the Parent’s Association, but the Board of Management began dismissal proceedings against him.

The school’s patron, An Foras Patrunachta, has now sacked Mr O Dualaing after he refused to resign.