'A proud moment for St Killian’s': In-school therapies return to Cork special school 

Following an extensive campaign, in-school therapy services have returned to St Killian’s Special School in Mayfield — the largest special school in Munster.

St Killian’s yesterday welcomed therapy service providers The Sunflower Clinic, who are onsite to begin offering vital support to 104 students.

The milestone follows a year-long campaign by St Killian’s Parents Unite, a group of parents and staff, who have been advocating for the reinstatement of therapeutic interventions at the school to meet the significant needs of the students.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and helped in our campaign to provide our amazing children with the essential therapies they need to access their education,” Eibhlín Gleeson, chair of St Killian’s Parent’s Unite, said.

“In particular, we would like to extend our thank you to Dr Andy Phillips, REO of the HSE South West, for releasing this essential funding.

“Our children deserve the world, and these interventions are essential in them reaching their full potential.

“It is our sincere hope that they are never without therapy in their school environment again.”

The campaigning included a meeting with former disability minister Anne Rabbitte in November 2023.

This was followed by a protest at the school in August 2024, which brought significant public attention to the urgent need for in school therapeutic support.

Campaigners also worked closely with elected representatives, at both local and national levels, to secure essential funding from the HSE and ensure that this interim service could be put in place.

Funded by the HSE, this private therapy provision serves as a temporary solution while the public system prepares to deliver equivalent support under the Therapy Pilot Scheme.

Sue Lenihan, the principal of St Killian’s Special School, said it marked a "proud moment for St Killian’s" adding that the services will be "transformative for the school". 

“The tireless efforts of our parents and staff have ensured that the children of St Killian’s are prioritised,” she said.

“While this is an interim measure, it is a vital step forward, and we are deeply grateful to the HSE and the elected officials who supported us in achieving this outcome.

“We look forward to seeing the impact of these therapies on the children, which in many cases will be life changing,” she added.

The school community extended its gratitude to everyone who participated in the campaign to ensure the vital services were made available at the school.