Statement following the tragic events of 04/09/2022
St. Aidan’s Community School, Brookfield, Tallaght,
Dublin 24
This morning we learned of the tragic events that took place in our local community. While exact
details are still emerging, we know that three young people have died, from the one family, who
attended both St. Aidan’s Senior National School and St. Aidan’s Community School. We are
shocked and deeply saddened by these events and our thoughts are with the family and those most
affected at this time.
Both local schools have been in touch with each other and offers of support have been coming in
from many other schools and agencies in the area. This family tragedy is a community tragedy and is
therefore a school tragedy too. We have put in place our critical incident plan and this will be in
operation over the coming days. We have also been in touch with all relevant supports and services
and in particular the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). Psychologists from NEPS,
counsellors, the school Pastoral Care Team and relevant staff will be in situ in St. Aidan’s Community
School from tomorrow morning to assist all students affected.
At this time, as a school community, we will do all we can to assist and offer comfort to anyone in
our community that needs help. We also want to assure parents and guardians that the welfare of
the students in our school who are experiencing any kind of trauma, grief or anxiety following this
terrible tragedy will be our top priority in the days and weeks ahead.
Finally, we ask for privacy and sensitivity at this time for the family and friends involved. We also
request that all give our school time and space so we can do everything possible to help our
students, parents and staff comprehend and begin to address this unprecedented and unimaginable
incident.
Thank you,
Kevin Shortall
Principal, St. Aidan’s Community School.