Three charged over alleged roles in incidents at Ennis primary school

A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with producing a slash hook during an incident at a primary school in Ennis, Co Clare.

The incident occurred at the Holy Family Junior School on Tuesday when two brothers barricaded themselves into a classroom of five-year-olds as they fled from two masked individuals, one armed with a sharp weapon.

At Ennis District Court yesterday, husband and wife Conor (21) and Rose Mahon (22), along with Ms Mahon’s sister Laura Molloy (21), appeared, charged in connection with alleged incidents at the school on Tuesday.

The court was told Ennis Garda station received 20 to 25 calls at about 1.45pm from parents and members of the public. The parents had gone to the school to pick up their children at the time.

School principal Sharon Dilger told the hearing the school was “an open and happy school”, but that what had occurred had caused “great distress to pupils, teachers and parents”.

Mr Mahon, Ballaghboy halting site, Quin Road, Ennis was charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon, a slash hook, and a breach of public order at the school on Tuesday.

Ms Mahon, a mother of two, of the same address, and Ms Molloy, also a mother of two, of An Pairc, Bruach na hAbhainn, Ennis were both charged with causing €1,500 worth of criminal damage to a car owned by Tom Sherlock and with a breach of public order outside the school at Station Road, Ennis.

Insp Tom Kennedy told the court gardaí were “very concerned” over what was alleged. He objected to bail for all three on a number of grounds.

Darragh Hassett, for Mr Mahon, said his client was denying any involvement in what occurred and no evidence had been put forward confirming Mr Mahon was present at the school on Tuesday.

In giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Trevor Shannon said Conor Mahon made no reply when charged.

Garda Shannon said Rose Mahon replied “I’m sorry” after being charged, while Laura Molloy made no reply when charged.

Judge Patrick Durcan remanded Mr Mahon and Ms Molloy in custody to reappear at Ennis District Court next Wednesday, March 28th.

Rose Mahon was remanded in custody with consent to bail on condition she stay away from Holy Family school; observe a nightly curfew from 9pm to 7am; not have any indirect or direct contact with named individuals; stay out of certain housing estates in Ennis and sign on twice weekly at Ennis Garda station. She is also due to reappear before Ennis District Court next Wednesday.

Yesterday morning, gardaí handed leaflets to parents dropping children at the school seeking information over the incidents.

The school yesterday made psychological support services available for pupils affected by Tuesday’s incidents.