Education
Although unnamed in a report by the Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan, the school, who it is claimed turned away a 16 year-old girl because she was pregnant, has been named by today’s Independent as St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
St Joseph’s Secondary School is a privately owned school founded by Co Kerry born Mr Padraig O’Shea, back in the late 1970’s. The school was founded following the closure in 1977 of the Convent of Mercy School, in Borrisoleigh village.
Although now former Principal for some years, Mr O’Shea is understood to remain the current owner / patron of this College, residing close to the stated premises.
Mr O’Shea is regarded locally as a “strong no nonsense disciplinarian,” and is held in high esteem within his catchment area, especially by parents who greatly value the school’s high academic achievements.
Pupils who formerly attended this school include North Tipperary Co Councillor & current Mayor, Michéal Lowry, son of former Fine Gael Minister Mr Mr Michael Lowry, Mr Michael Dwyer, latter shot dead by Bolivian police in 2009 and well known Tipperary County hurlers Seamus Callanan, Brendan Maher, Paddy Stapleton, James Woodlock, Gearoid Ryan, Jody Brennan and David Young.
The school has so far declined to comment on the controversy, however in 2007 an inspection noted in its report, the commitment of staff /teachers at the Secondary School, to obtaining high standards in quality education.
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