Ireland Enoch Burke's challenge to disciplinary appeal panel struck out as moot in High Court
The High Court struck out Enoch Burke's challenge to the membership of a disciplinary appeal panel convened to hear his appeal over his dismissal from Wilson's Hospital School, Co Westmeath, ruling the case was moot after two panel members resigned and the third accepted she could play no further role. A new panel must be appointed to hear his appeal, which will be the third panel convened.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court4 Feb
3 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports28 statements extracted from the articles
- whatSean Ó Longáin and Jack Cleary were the members who resigned (irishtimes.com)
- whatBurke was dismissed over his conduct towards the then principal at a school religious event in June 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- courtBurke had sought a temporary injunction against the disciplinary appeals body (irishmirror.ie)
- courtPadraic Lyons SC representing the three panel members told the High Court that two members had resigned (irishmirror.ie)
- courtBurke appeared in court via videolink from prison (irishmirror.ie)
- courtBurke asked for a two-week adjournment to consider the issues, which was granted (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJudge Brian Cregan granted an adjournment until February 20 (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe school has been granted injunctive relief restraining Burke from attending the school (irishmirror.ie)
- courtMr Justice Cregan allowed Burke to be released from Mountjoy Prison in mid-January to prepare for his case against the DAP (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe hearing was before Judge Brian Cregan in the High Court (irishtimes.com)
- courtBurke sought a two-week adjournment to consider the resignations (irishtimes.com)
- courtBurke initiated proceedings on 6 January 2026 over the conduct of the Dap hearing and sought an injunction (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Cregan said he did not see how the proceedings were moot (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Cregan adjourned the matter for two weeks (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe hearing took place at the Four Courts on Friday and was suspended temporarily. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge ruled the proceedings were moot and struck out the case. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceBurke has been fined €225,000 (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceBurke has been imprisoned for more than 550 days for attending the school in breach of the court order (irishmirror.ie)
- otherTwo members of a three-person appeals body reviewing Enoch Burke's dismissal have tendered their resignation (irishmirror.ie)
- otherBurke is an Evangelical Christian who taught German and history at the school (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThis was Burke's second challenge to a disciplinary panel (irishtimes.com)
- otherBurke rejected the suggestion that the resignations disposed of his action against the panel (irishtimes.com)
- otherBurke is in prison for civil contempt of court orders from August 2022 requiring him to stay away from the school (irishtimes.com)
- otherBurke was suspended over his conduct towards the then-principal at a school religious event in June 2022 (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe panel was due to deliver its recommendations on 9 January 2026 (irishtimes.com)
- otherBurke is incarcerated for failing to comply with court orders banning him from the school. (irishtimes.com)
- otherBurke disrupted lawyers for the school and was escorted from the court by prison guards. (irishtimes.com)
- otherBurke has spent almost 600 days in separate spells in jail over his failure to abide by court orders. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 20 Feb2026Enoch Burke’s ‘moot’ challenge to disciplinary panel membership struck out in High Court
The High Court struck out Burke's challenge to the disciplinary appeal panel as moot, requiring a new panel to be appointed expeditiously. The hearing was disrupted by Burke and his family, with Burke removed to Mountjoy Prison and his sister and mother directed to leave by the judge.
accused, Enoch Burke, male, named, irish (judged from name)Enoch Burke - 4 Feb2026Two resignations from panel convened to hear Enoch Burke appeal, court told
Reports the initial High Court hearing where the two Dap member resignations were disclosed; Judge Cregan adjourned for two weeks and rejected the mootness argument, noting Burke's claim of bias against remaining member Geraldine O'Brien kept the action live.
accused, Enoch Burke, male, named, irish (judged from name)Enoch Burkeaccused, Sean Ó Longáin, named, irish (judged from name)Sean Ó Longáinaccused, Jack Cleary, named, irish (judged from name)Jack Clearyaccused, female, irish (judged from name) - 4 Feb2026Enoch Burke blasts 'astounding' court development in videolink from prison
Reports the 4 February 2026 High Court hearing where two DAP members' resignations were first disclosed; Burke called the panel 'a shambles for the second time'; adjournment granted until 20 February; Burke's brother Isaac interrupted proceedings and was escorted out by three gardaí; Burke said he intends to appeal against the order of Mr Justice Alexander Owens.
suspect, Enoch Burke, male, named, irish (judged from name)Enoch Burke