Mayo teenager tells of his remarkable exam success
A MAYO teenager has spoken proudly about being on top of the Leaving Certificate ladder in Ireland.
David Glynn (18), from Maryland, a student at St. Gerald's College, secured an unbelievable 925 points, 9 AIs, in the examination
Not satisfied with just completing the Leaving, David studied Japanese and other subjects as an extra interest.
Modestly, he explained to reporters today (Wednesday) hat he never expected to land the best Leaving results in the nation and had no special plans for celebrating that momentous achievement.
As his proud parents, Peter and Bertha, and an equally delighted school principal, Daniel Hyland, looked on, David, explained that he now hopes to study maths at Trinity College.
Seemingly insatiable when it comes to learning, David took on a number of extra subjects for his Leaving including Japanese.
“Why Japanese?”, one reporter wondered aloud. The answer was a bit surprising. “I love Japanese video games. That's how I became interested in the language.'
David was certainly modest and taciturn when it came to answering media questions and it was left to school principal, Daniel Hyland and his parents, Peter and Bertha, to provide fuller background on his sucecss.
Mr. Hyland, head of the 548 pupil school, where an impressive 20 per cent of Leaving Cert stduents got over 500 points, said: “David's a lovely, quiet, unassuming, young man, well rounded and a very talented musician.
“He's very modest as well. We're probably more excited than him”.
Peter Glynn, a retired bank manager, remarked: “David did work hard. He obviously has ability and is able to apply himself as well”.
Bertha Glynn, meanwhile, revealed that David, apart from his studies, is also passionate about music and “loves playing the piano”.
The Glynn family live at Maryland on the outskirts of Castlebar. David has one sibling, a brother James, who is studying commerce at UCD.
He was joined yesterday by other high achievers from the College: Conor Murray (615 points), Cian Ruane (610), Ammar Janjua (625), Martin Gallagher (605) and Barry Lawless (600)
Gesturing towards David reporters asked the lads what they thought of the country's best student.
“We all hate him”, they chorused, before adding: “just joking”.