At midday at Clonburris National School today, fifth class pupils decamp to the park next door to let off steam and practice their running skills for South County Dublin's upcoming Marathon Kids programme.
The teacher supervising them and shouting encouragement is not their regular class teacher – that teacher is one of four at the school who are out sick.
Special Education Teacher Aoibhín O’Neill has stepped in. She should have been supporting pupils with additional needs. Clonburris NS says it had no choice.
For four absences, it could source only one substitute teacher. It’s a problem shared by schools the length and breadth of the country.