Irish School Principal Defends Reputation Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations at Fitness-to-Teach Inquiry

An Irish school principal has vehemently denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by a former student teacher, telling a fitness-to-teach inquiry that his personal and professional life had been “eviscerated and annihilated” by the accusations.

The inquiry, conducted by the Teaching Council, is examining claims that the principal, who cannot be identified due to a ruling by the panel, engaged in inappropriate conduct towards the student teacher while she was on placement at a secondary school in the west of Ireland in 2017.

Appearing unexpectedly before the inquiry on its second day, the principal rejected the allegations as “dreadful” and maintained that he had never engaged in any misconduct. He described the accusations, including claims that he locked the student teacher in the school after hours and attempted to persuade her into a relationship that would benefit her career, as "utterly unconscionable."

Denial of Allegations and Courtroom Testimony

The student teacher, who is now a qualified educator in her early 30s, had testified the previous day, stating she believed the principal had attempted to initiate a sexual relationship through various incidents at the school. She also claimed he had suggested they book a hotel room in Dublin to "get to know each other better."

Addressing the allegations, the principal categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating: “I don’t accept for a moment that I did what she is claiming.” He argued that it was inconceivable for him to risk his career and family for such an inappropriate encounter.

He further refuted claims that he had inappropriately touched the student teacher during a school event in March 2017, pointing out that his wife, daughter, and a fellow teacher had been nearby. “Is it credible that I would do such a thing in a hall full of 500 people, with my wife and teenage daughter present?” he asked.

When questioned about a late-night text message he had sent the teacher following the event—reading, “Night, night [her name]. Delighted you could share our special occasion. Take care. [His name]”—he acknowledged that it might have been an unusual message but dismissed any inappropriate intent.

Inquiry Into the Allegations

During cross-examination, the principal admitted he had invited the student teacher to accompany him to a funeral in Dublin but insisted there was nothing improper about the invitation. He also conceded that, as a principal, he had the ability to influence hiring decisions but maintained that the suggestion he had promised her employment in exchange for secrecy was "farcical."

The former student teacher, however, asserted that the principal's behaviour followed a "distinct pattern" and escalated over time. She also stated that he had shown her photographs of other women he claimed to have helped secure jobs. She explained that she had hoped her statement would be kept on file in case others came forward, emphasizing that she had "nothing to gain from being here."

The principal dismissed these claims, stating that the entire inquiry had taken a severe toll on his life and career. He described the situation as "completely toxic" and lamented that the allegations had been the subject of community gossip for over a year.

Awaiting the Inquiry’s Findings

The chairperson of the inquiry, Paul Moroney, confirmed that the panel would deliver its findings at a later date. The principal, who has worked in education for more than 30 years, concluded his testimony by stating that he had "absolutely zero interest" in a relationship with the student teacher and would never have jeopardized his career and family for a "cheap sexual thrill."

"If there was even a scintilla of credible evidence against me—if I were as devious and dark as has been suggested—I would have been removed from the teaching profession long ago," he asserted.