Two Mayo students among elite six in Ireland
TWO Mayo students are among the elite six in the country who achieved 800 points in the Leaving Certificate examination.
They have been named as Emma Louise Ruane of Mount St. Michael Secondary School, Claremorris, and Annie Duffy of Ballinrobe Community School.
Emma, a daughter of Tomas and Alacoque Ruane, Ballindine, accomplished her A1s in English, maths, Irish, French, accountancy, economics, biology and chemistry. She is planning to study management science and information studies at Trinity College, Dublin.
Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph this afternoon, she said: 'I am both thrilled and stunned. I certainly did not expect such a clean sweep.' She is planning a small celebration with her family and friends.
Her school principal, Ms. Fionnghuala King, described her as a very hardworking student who left no stone unturned in her work. One other student of Mount St. Michael got eight As.
Annie Duffy, a daughter of Pat and Michelle Duffy, Ballinrobe, received her A1s in Irish, English, maths, physics, chemistry, German, music and applied maths.
Her principal, Mr. William Culkeen, congratulated her on the remarkable achievement and wished her every success in her future studies.
Another student of the Ballinrobe school, Síoda Finnerty, a daughter of Dr. Martin and Paula Finnetry, scored 600 points.
Over 1,600 students across Mayo said the exam last June while a further 73 took the Leaving Cert applied tests.
After speaking to a number of school principals this morning, The Connaught Telegraph can reveal that most secondary schools in the county achieved above the national average of between 350 and 360 points.
The State Examinations Commission stated the results obtained in most subjects this year are broadly in line with those of previous years.
As students view their results and decide their next move, a helpline facility is operating today and again on Thursday and Friday. The helpline is manned by guidance counsellors and is available at 1800 265 165.
It is operated by the National Parents Council Post-Primary, and their public relations officer Linda O’Shea said students and their parents are welcome to call with any queries in relation to results.