Many locals expressed confusion yesterday at the perceived leniency of Wayne O'Donoghue's four-year sentence for the manslaughter of local schoolboy Robert Holohan.
Paula O'Connell, a mother of three who works in a restaurant in the town, said she was astounded that Wayne O'Donoghue had received just four years for the crime.
"I think it is a disgrace. Everyone is shocked. It is a disgrace to get a sentence like that for the death of a child. You could nearly get that for not paying your TV licence," she said.
"I think he should have got four years for just what he put the family through after Robert died. To be so helpful to the family and so on. He should have saved the family pain by admitting what he did. He has served a year already. He will be out in no time."
Ms O'Connell said she had bought two of her children bicycles and was afraid to allow them out for spins around the area after Robert's disappearance.
Pat Taft summed up the mood of many locals yesterday when he said he hoped the O'Donoghues and Holohans would be able to move on in some way from the tragedy of the last 12 months.
"I hope the two families can find some peace. Their heads must be all over the place. I thought it [the sentence] was a bit lenient. I thought he would get more. But the whole thing should never have happened. It is very sad."
Meanwhile, Midleton solicitor and Fianna Fáil town councillor Ken Murray said he understood the legal basis for Wayne O'Donoghue's sentence. However, he appreciated that it would appear to be lenient to people outside legal circles.
"Do Mark and Majella Holohan have reason to be disaffected and embittered? I would say, yes. Obviously the Holohan family must be devastated. They would never have had closure, but this must be like a further wound.
"I understand as a solicitor that there are good and logical reasons for this sentence, but most people feel it is light. It is the worst possible outcome of the lot because the whole town wanted this over."
However, former mayor Ted Murphy said the four-year sentence was a "reasonable decision" and expressed optimism that the area would move on from the tragedy in some way following yesterday's decision.
Cllr Murphy said he felt very sorry for Majella and Mark Holohan and spoke of his fond memories of Robert.
"I knew young Robert. He was a nice kid. A grand young fellow. It is sad to see it end like this. This case won't be forgotten about, but people will try to put it behind them. We have to, really," he said.