The parents of a twelve year old Ruan boy who has been unable to secure a place in secondary school say they're living a nightmare.
The child has been unable to secure a place in school, in a case which raises questions about the number of places for secondary school students from in and around the town.
Cian O'Donoghue was supposed to start life at a new school this week.
In January, his parents Anne-Marie and Sean applied for him to go to St. Flannan's and Rice College in Ennis, but their applications were unsuccessful, despite an external appeal.
The twelve year old is now without a school, while his friends start life in first year
His mother Ann-Marie issued what she described as a cry for help on today's edition of Morning Focus on Clare FM.
Cian is one of three children in his family, his younger brother is suffering from a serious kidney disorder which limits them from driving long distances, while his older sister is in school in Ennis and gets the bus into town each morning.
Sean O'Donoghue says it would be very difficult for them all if he was forced to go to school elsewhere.
Cian has said he only wants to go to St. Flannan's or Rice College – Clare FM has sought comment from both schools and is awaiting a reply, but the O'Donoghues say they've been told that capacity is an issue.
However, Anne-Marie says the lack of a resolution is bad for her family, and in particular her son.
