Former Ireland rugby player Ronan O’Gara has been speaking about how his family were affected by the attacks in Christchurch earlier today.
49 people were shot dead at two mosques in the New Zealand city and O’Gara told Newstalk Breakfast that his children’s schools had to be placed on lockdown throughout the ordeal. O’Gara is currently working as a coach at Christchurch rugby side Crusaders.
Speaking about the events of the day, the former Munster player told the programme that his wife, parents and children were all caught up as security was tightened at schools and other public buildings throughout New Zealand.
He “My mum and dad are over so they got my youngest boy and Jess went to get the other four who are in the same school. There was a lockdown so I think she went into the staffroom and they were there from 3pm to 6pm. I think they got home an hour and a half ago so thankfully everyone is safe.”
O’Gara’s wife Jessica added her point of view on Twitter, posting: ‘In lockdown at kid’s school. Can’t think of a word that’s clean to describe these terrorists. Thought this was only in Paris. Shocked. Thoughts and prayers with the victims. Just let me go home with the kids.’
In lockdown at kid’s school. Can’t think of a word that’s clean to describe these terrorists. Thought this was only in Paris. Shocked. Thoughts and prayers with the victims. Just let me go home with the kids. #Christchurch 😢
— Jess O'Gara (@jessieog) March 15, 2019
