Tonight's results celebrations a cert!
It’s a day for celebration and commiseration today as students across Cork city and county receive their results for this year’s Leaving Certificate.
The results were released at 9am this morning to 58,787 students across the country by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
One student who is sure to be celebrating is Michael O’Grady of Christian Brother’s College, Cork, who received maximum marks with a jaw-dropping eight A1s. Michael, who is from Mallow, was one of just five students nationwide to achieve this astounding result.
Students receiving results today in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Link Modules and Politics and Society had their examinations marked using an online marking system.
Every year on results night, thousands of students hit the town to blow off some steam after a long school year of study.
Drinkaware, Ireland’s national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, has appealed to parents to speak to their school-leaving children about alcohol habits as they begin their journey into college life.
A statement by Drinkaware stated that over a third of people under 25 in Ireland binge drink on a regular basis and that 64 per cent of under-25s claim to use drink as a coping mechanism.
Sheena Horgan, CEO of Drinkaware, said: “Ahead of the Leaving Cert results celebrations and college offers, it’s important that parents engage with their young people and advocate for sober curiosity or a more mindful attitude to alcohol.
“We are appealing to parents to discuss post-results plans together with their children and provide them with practical knowledge and advice on how they can celebrate this achievement in a safe environment.”
Meanwhile, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) has reminded all young people that Childline is there to listen 24/7 to anyone who needs to talk to someone regarding their results.
ISPCC Chief Executive, John Church, said: “Leaving Cert results time can create a range of emotions for young people. It can be an exciting time for many students, but can also bring about feelings of anxiety, worry and disappointment.
“It’s important to remember the Leaving Cert does not define a person, regardless of results. There are several routes for progression open to young people, the Leaving Cert is simply a stepping stone.”