Schools security urged to protect pupils

SCHOOLS should have security facilities for the protection of pupils in the light of the murder of Robert Holohan, a local principal said yesterday.

Midleton CBS boys’ secondary school principal Denis Ring, whose school is across the road from the CBS primary school where Robert was a fifth-class pupil, said it was a depressing reality for society.

“We’re not too far from the day when schools are going to have to look at providing security. In other countries, security checks are the normal course for getting past school doors and gates,” he said.

“Parents are going to take stock of how they allow their kids travel to and from school and social events. It’s something schools are going to have to do as well, and not just in Midleton,” said Mr Ring.

Earlier, Midleton CBS primary school issued a statement expressing the shock and sadness felt by pupils, staff and management at Robert’s tragic death.

“He was a happy, friendly, bubbly and energetic boy who was well liked by all who knew him. He had many interests, was a keen hurler and he loved to be in the presence of animals, especially horses,” the statement said.

School board chairperson Canon Bertie Troy and principal Seán Ó Floinn said fantastic support was being received by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in helping the school cope with the tragedy.

They also asked for time and space to allow pupils and staff grieve and re-establish routines as quickly as possible.

“This is a very difficult time for the entire school community. A long-term plan is in place and support will be available for as long as is necessary.

"The school will be a support system for Robert’s young friends and will ensure the pupils get all the help they need,” they said. At lunchtime, groups of parents waited eagerly for younger pupils at the school to emerge from what was probably the toughest day in their lives so far.

Fr Jim Moore, chair of the CBS secondary school board of management, said there was a feeling that students genuinely wanted to pray.

“There’s a sense that evil visited the place and it manifested itself in an appalling way. When something like this happens, people want to be together, talk and support each other,” he said.

“But there is that fear in people, asking the greater question about how it could happen” said Fr Moore.

As a curate in the Aghada parish in which the body was found on Wednesday, he said there was a sense of unreality in the rural but close community, which is feeling very pained by what has happened.

At a packed morning Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary in Midleton, local curate Fr Billy O’Donovan prayed for parents and children everywhere.

Last night, he said that Robert’s parents, Majella and Mark, have shown remarkable strength since he had disappeared.

“They are still strong, distraught, upset, but strong. They’re doing well,” he said.

“Majella was down in town visiting her parents, visiting the local church this afternoon. They’re aware of the enormous support and goodwill and solidarity,” Fr O’Donovan added.