Enoch Burke marks beginning of new term by returning to the school that suspended him

Enoch Burke has returned to Wilson’s Hospital in Multyfarnham, Co.Westmeath, in an effort to continue protesting his dismissal from the school.

At the beginning of the new term, the former teacher took up a position in a corridor inside the school building. It is understood that at the time of writing, he remains on the premises.

A statement from a Burke family spokesperson said that Enoch ““will not endorse an ideology which he as a Christian disagrees with and which will have serious repercussions for young people. He has a right to his religious beliefs and believes it is wrong that he is being denied access to his place of work.”

His dismissal is rooted in former principal Niamh McShane’s request that staff refer to a transgender child by their new name and desired pronouns.

"Enoch Burke is back, Ted" pic.twitter.com/WWLjXwEIB1

— Dr Harold News (@DrHaroldNews) August 28, 2023

An evangelical Christian, Mr Burke objected to these requests at a chapel service and after a school dinner.

Burke's actions ultimately led him to be put on paid leave in August last year by the board of management

He continued to show up to the school despite his suspension, even after a court-issued restraining order. He spent 108 days in prison for contempt of court and resumed his frequent protests at the school upon his release.

After being arrested for trespassing in January, Burke still turned up at the school on a regular basis. This led to the High Court issuing him a €700 fine each day he visited the grounds for contempt of court.

His fines have now accumulated to a total of €148,400.