Dispute comes to a head between School and Principal

The board of management at a Gael Scoil in Co Meath is defending its action over sacking their principal.

The board denies that his dismissal is the result of a religious dispute.

Tomas O'Dulaing claimed he was told to resign or be dismissed over his objection that Catholic pupils be prepared for First Holy Communion during school hours.

The School Board says the way that he handled the row caused an irretrievable breakdown in trust and confidence between both sides and made his position untenable.