Leaving Cert classes celebrate overcoming challenges to complete exam

THE students who received their Leaving Cert results all across Mayo on Friday morning overcame unprecedented challenges according to a Belmullet school principal. Edmund Holmes, from Our Lady’s Secondary School said years of hard work, resilience and dedication paid off when results were revealed online at 10am.

“When we consider what our students here in Our Lady’s and students across the country faced during the pandemic, and not having benefited from experiencing the junior cert exams, we’re especially delighted for them and their parents,” Holmes stated.

Those words were echoed all across the county with Michael Rabbette from Rice College saying the results achieved by his students were exemplary.

“The outstanding grades achieved by this group of young men were really exceptional and they deserve great credit for their efforts.

“These students had to overcome some major obstacles including the cancelation of their junior cert exam due to the Covid pandemic and the extended period of online classes that followed. However they remained focused on the task in hand and worked consistently throughout as is evident from their exemplary results.

“These young men have displayed huge potential and great determination in their achievements to date and I have no doubt they will go on to do great things in the future. We wish them every success in whatever they decide to do in the months and years ahead.”

_{St Gerald's College students Al-Mahi Tanzem (625 points), Patrick Murray (725 points), Mark Ward (625 points) and John Mac Monagle (725 points) pictured with Principal Shaun Burke and Vice Principal Declan Askin}

Impressive results

In St Gerald’s College, Castlebar there were scenes of great delight when four students emerged with particularly impressive results.

Al-Mahi Tanzem and Mark Ward achieved 625 points while Patrick Murray and former Mayo minor full-back John MacMaonagle attained 725. School principal, Shaun Burke, congratulated all students across the Leaving Cert and LCA programs and wished them well in the future.

In Belmullet, there was great delight when the students gathered in Our Lady’s to celebrate their achievements together.

“All their hard work and dedication over the past two years certainly paid off,” Mr Holmes explained. “Almost 20 percent of the group here in Our Lady’s achieved over 500 points and over 60% achieved over 400 points which is way above the national average. The Leaving Cert Applied students also excelled well beyond the national trend in their courses with 66 percent of students gaining distinction grades,” he added.

The above-average grades were also obvious in Rice College according to Mr Rabbette.

“Over a quarter of the class received more than 500 points, while three distinctions in LCA and an exceptional seven H1s were awarded to our students on Friday. Overall the results were excellent and we hope all navigate a successful and rewarding future, it has been a pleasure working with such fine young men.”

Resilience

The Irish Second-Level Students Union (ISSU) agreed with the Mayo principals and said the resilience shown by the class of 2023 was hugely impressive.

Shari Irfan, Uachtarán of the ISSU said: “The achievements of Leaving Certificate students was testament to their dedication and hard work and we have no doubt that they will continue to make positive contributions to our society. As we move forward, let us remember that these results are not just a reflection of academic excellence but also of their growth as individuals.”

Heather Doyle, ISSU Education Officer said: “The stressful journey of the leaving cert is finally coming to a close and massive congratulations for coming this far. It has been a particularly unique second-level experience with the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Geraldine O’Brien of the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) also congratulated all students receiving their Leaving Cert results.

“Today is a day to celebrate the beginning of the next phase of your lives,” said Ms O’Brien. “The knowledge, skills and experience you have gained as a result of progressing from first year through to the Leaving Cert will serve you in many ways as you pursue your goals as a young adult.”