Several schools in Carlow remain shut after receiving threatening email
Carlow Garda Station
More than 10 primary schools in Carlow have received a threatening email from an "unidentified source," with several of them deciding to close.
Principal at St Joseph's National School, Fergal Browne told KCLR that the correspondence, coming from a generic Gmail account, made claims of a potential shooting. "I'd imaging it is a hoax," he said.
Speaking to he lamented the lack of a protocol in these kind of situations, saying that schools need "clear guidance from the department and to liaise at a local level," should a threat like this happen again. He said there were currently no protocols in place to deal with these situations, and that instead of waiting for gardaí to screen the threat for its credibility, some schools got "spooked" and closed.
Gardaí were calling around to schools to reassure them and said there was an increased presence across Carlow today, said Fergal.
An Garda Shíochána said it is aware of a communication that has been sent to a number of educational establishments in Co. Carlow today, Wednesday 27 May 2026. It did not confirm the nature of the threat.
It said gardaí are currently assessing the contents and credibility of that communication and senior garda leadership have opened communication with the affected educational establishments.
In the interests of safety, Ballyconnell NS, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, and Scoil Mhuire Lourdes decided to close. Students were either told not to come in or were sent home by 11am. Rathvilly primary school, Scoil Molaise in Old Leighlin, Scoil Mhuire Lourdes, Rathmore NS, Drumphea school, and St Columba's are reportedly closed, but this has not been confirmed.
St Fiacc's NS told parents that they were remaining open but parent's were permitted to collect their children if they wished.
Askea NS said they remain open after receiving the email as gardaí had instructed them it was safe to do so.
Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc said they had not received an email but were aware of the ongoing situation. They said the school remained open today.
