Philip Darcy is one such parent who is outraged at the proposals which, if they go ahead, would see the end of generations of education at  St Joseph’s and St Fanchea’s.

 

Mr Darcy believes the consultation process, which runs over a period of less than two months, will simply rubber stamp a decision that has already been taken by the powers that be.

“It’s the taking away of the name from the people of Enniskillen who supported the schools. An announcement was made and we just have to take it,” he said.

 

Last Wednesday night Philip along with other concerned parents attended a meeting at St Joseph’s, dressed in his son’s blazer to learn of the proposals put forward by the Catholic Council for Maintained Schools (CCMS). 

 

He said, “As a parent, I am disappointed and my son as a pupil of St Joseph’s is very disappointed and I hope to appeal these proposals put forward by the CCMS. 

“There will be job losses coming out of this and it is all down to costs and money and at the end of the day it’s the pupils that will suffer.” 

 

Mr Darcy was full  of  praise for the set-up at St Joseph stated that he believes his son would not avail of the same opportunities he has had, if he were to attend a larger school, “A lot of good things has come out of St Joseph’s, as with the other schools. My son has got so many rewards from being at the school and he loves that school.

 

“This decision has just come as a bolt out of the blue and it is constantly on my mind and my son’s.”