Rugby cancelled at Blackrock College

Rugby training was cancelled yesterday in Blackrock College

Rugby training was cancelled yesterday in Blackrock College. The only sportsmen on display were sixth-year boarders lazily kicking a ball around.

The school's 70 teachers were all on strike.

Mr Richard Barrett has been teaching for 15 years, in Blackrock, in Synge Street and Bordeaux. With his experience and allowances for an honours BA with a Higher Diploma in Education, he earns around £27,000 a year.

The opening of the college's annual musical was postponed yesterday until tonight.

READ MORE

In the neighbouring Willow Park school, which is under the same management, the school's 12 ASTI members were also on strike.

The chairman of Meath Vocational Education Committee, Mr Nick Killian, yesterday called on ASTI to enter into negotiations with the National Parents' Council Post Primary to protect Leaving Certificate students throughout the proposed continued industrial action. Mr Killian, a member of Meath County Council, is a former spokesman for the National Parents Council.

He said too many class-days will be lost, causing "irrevocable danger to the less motivated student, and will have a serious effect on those willing to enter third level next September". He said teachers had an obligation to provide emergency cover, as did nurses in last year's dispute.