UPDATE: Enoch Burke has been returned to prison today, November 25, 2025, after a High Court ruling confirmed his contempt of court. The decision follows repeated violations of court orders barring him from attending Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath, where he previously taught.
This urgent development marks a significant escalation in Burke’s ongoing legal battle. The High Court had previously determined on November 18 that Burke’s actions constituted “repeated and flagrant” breaches of the law, prompting the judge to impose a prison sentence as the only means to enforce compliance.
Judge Brian Cregan emphasized that the case is not about Burke’s views on transgender issues but focuses on his consistent disregard for court mandates. “Mr Burke has the keys to his own prison,” Judge Cregan stated, indicating that Burke could secure his release by adhering to the court’s orders.
Burke, a member of a devout Evangelical Christian family from Co Mayo, has been embroiled in a lengthy dispute with the school since 2022. The controversy ignited when the school’s then-principal requested that a student be addressed by a new name and pronoun—a move Burke vehemently opposed.
The judge criticized Burke and his family for what he termed “the most deliberate, sustained and concerted attack” on the civil courts and the rule of law in Ireland. In light of Burke’s failure to pay any of the substantial fines imposed upon him, the court deemed imprisonment necessary to uphold its authority.
Earlier today, An Garda Siochana confirmed that they executed the High Court order in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, leading to Burke’s return to custody. Reports indicate that he has spent approximately 500 days in prison during this legal saga, highlighting the ongoing tension and societal implications of his case.
As this story develops, the Attorney General has been asked to consider further legal action against Burke and his family for criminal contempt, intensifying the already charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
This situation is being closely monitored, and updates are expected as authorities navigate the complexities of the law and the rights of individuals within the educational system.
Stay tuned for the latest developments in this unfolding legal drama as it continues to capture public attention and debate across Ireland and beyond.
