A woman facing deportation to South Africa with her three sons has said she is “relieved” the family has been given more time to stay in Ireland. She said she sought asylum after being beaten by a gang and threatened at gunpoint in South Africa. Her three sons are attending schools and sports clubs in south Dublin. Hundreds of people, including many schoolchildren, attended a protest in solidarity with the family outside the department on February 10th. Joseph (14) is a member of Dundrum South Dublin (DSD) Athletics Club and has been attending Gonzaga College on a scholarship since September.

Source: The Irish Times February 19, 2026 16:28 UTC