In-school therapies return to Munster’s largest special school

It follows a year-long campaign by St Killian’s Parents Unite

(Left to right) Cousins Paddy Breen, Aodha and Thade Swanwick, and Eilís Gleeson at a protest in August at St Killian's School which brought public attention to the urgent need for in-school therapeutic supports. Picture: Larry Cummins

In-school therapies have begun at Munster’s largest special school thanks to its marathon campaign.

St Killian’s Special School on Cork’s northside welcomed staff from private therapy service provider, The Sunflower Clinic, into the school on Tuesday as they began offering a range of vital supports to the school's 104 students, many of whom have complex needs.

The milestone is the result of a year-long campaign by St Killian’s Parents Unite — a group of parents and staff who advocate relentlessly for the reinstatement of therapeutic interventions at the school which ended almost four years ago.

The campaign included a meeting with former disability minister, Anne Rabbitte, in November 2023 followed by a protest at the school last August 2024 which brought public attention to the urgent need for in-school therapeutic supports.

The campaign group also worked closely with politicians at both local and national level to secure essential funding from the HSE to ensure that an interim service could be put in place.

Funded by the HSE, this private therapy provision in the school is a temporary solution while the public system prepares to deliver something similar under a therapy pilot scheme, with confirmation that St Killian’s has been included in the second phase of the pilot initiative.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and helped in our campaign to provide our amazing children with the essential therapies they need to access their education,” chair of St Killian’s Parent’s Unite Eibhlín Gleeson said.

Tracy Mekki and daughters Malika and Amira battle for their seven-year-old brother Karim at the protest at St Killian's School last August. Picture Larry Cummins

“In particular, we would like to extend our thanks to Dr Andy Phillips, head of the HSE South West, for releasing this essential funding.

“Our children deserve the world, and these interventions are essential in them reaching their full potential. It is our sincere hope that they are never without therapy in their school environment again.” 

St Killian’s principal, Sue Lenihan, said it was a proud moment for the school.

“This will be transformative for the school. The tireless efforts of our parents and staff have ensured that the children of St Killian’s are prioritised," she said.

“While this is an interim measure, it is a vital step forward, and we are deeply grateful to the HSE and the elected officials who supported us in achieving this outcome.”