LAST UPDATE | 27 May

A NUMBER OF schools in Carlow have closed today as a precaution after they received a “threatening” email.

Gardaí are investigating the origins of the email, which reportedly said there would be a shooting.

Some 20 primary schools across in Carlow received a threatening email, prompting some to close.

The email was sent just after 7am and prompted gardaí to begin an investigation into its credibility and contact all affected schools.

Gardaí said there would be patrols around all 42 schools in the county over the coming days, adding that the message appears to have been “routed through another country”.

A spokesperson said that “while some schools have made the decision to close, reopening is a matter for each school board of management” and gardaí will “continue to support schools and provide guidance”.

Gardaí added that there was “no advance warning” and “lines of communication have been opened at a senior level with the Department of Education and Youth”.

Fergal Browne, principal of St Joseph’s National School in Carlow town, told KCLR that he believes it’s a hoax, but nevertheless it’s “very upsetting” for children and parents.

He said a “generic” email was sent to numerous schools in Carlow, telling them there could be a mass shooting.

St Joseph’s School chose not to close today.

“It is obviously very concerning, but I’d reassure parents that schools are very safe places,” said Browne.

“We have a lot of systems in place, and we’ll learn from this as well.”

One school is missing its school tour today due to the threat, Browne said.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said they’re “assessing the contents and credibility” of the email.

Browne said he and other principals will discuss later “how we can react to these threats in future”.

“We have to be vigilant. We can’t ignore it. We can’t underreact and we can’t overreact,” he said.

“I don’t know what sick individual is behind it, but obviously it’s not good enough.”

In February 2025, a number of schools in Clare closed after receiving an email that claimed there would be shooting. It was found by gardaí to be a hoax.