By Vivienne Clarke
Two primary schools in counties Mayo and Laois have closed early for the Christmas holidays due to concerns about Covid-19 outbreaks in the community.
Holy Family Senior School in Portlaoise will close from Friday, with education continuing online.
The school said it was working with the HSE and recognised the need to close onsite.
Claremorris Boys National School in Co Mayo will also close from Friday until January 5th, with the board of management saying it was the only practical way to help prevent further elevation and spread of Covid-19 in the community.
The principal, Mark Loftus, defended the decision and said the idea of keeping schools open at all costs was not acceptable.