Special first day at school for Tipperary boy Michael Barrett and his family

Monday September 1 was a very special day for Michael Barrett and his family from Cahir.

Michael, who at the beginning of the year had been refused a place in 18 schools, was beaming with pride when he started school in St Michael’s Junior Boys School in Tipperary Town on Monday.

READ MORE: Work colleagues come out to support staff who are on strike in Tipperary schools

“Michael just had the most incredible day, it was amazing.He was very excited to go into school, he just could not wait to go into school,” said his relieved mother Tina on Monday.

“I never thought this would happen.He was meant to start last Thursday but some ground works had to be finished at the new special unit. It was a very special day for us all,” said Tina.

Earlier in the year, the plight of the Barrett family, who were seeking a school place for Michael, had been raised in Dail Eireann and thousands of people signed a petition started by Family Carers Manager Cllr Richie Molloy.

The Cahir family had endured levels of enormous stress as they battled to secure a school place for their son.
The desperation of the Barrett family was exacerbated by the letters of refusal they received from primary schools all over Tipperary.

Tina and Michael Barrett were looking to place their son in an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and were being met with a closed door.

READ NEXT: Tipperary TD comes out in support of striking school secretaries and caretakers

The letters of refusal from schools whose ASD units were full to capacity and have long waiting lists mounted up.
“We were absolutely shattered with every letter that came through the door. Our whole life revolved around trying to get Michael a school place,” said Tina.