The long wait ended for more than 220 young people yesterday when Mallow’s three second level schools opened their doors to hand over the envelopes containing results of Leaving Certificate 2013. The general consensus among students and teachers alike was that the marks received were well up to standard, and the Patrician Academy had particular cause to celebrate when Niall O’Keeffe got 600 points, one of only 152 nationally to hit the magic figure. School Principal Catherine Fitzpatrick was on hand to congratulate Niall, and indeed his fellow students. “The results were excellent all round, and we’re very pleased for them,” she said. “They were a great group of students, and Niall’s achievement is deserved as he showed great application to study and was very popular with his classmates.”
At Davis College the reaction was equally positive, with Principal Denis Healy saying he was very pleased with the results in all subjects, but particularly in maths and science. “The increased uptake in higher level subjects is very positive,” he said.
At St Mary’s Secondary School, students filed in from early morning where they were met by soon-to-retire Principal Sr. Brid Biggane and Deputy Principal Una Griffin. A total of 80 students sat this year’s exams, and Sr. Brid said results were “excellent, we’re very pleased”.
With results out, the next wait is for the CAO offers next Monday, as students hope the points they received will qualify them for the courses they want.
And what about the new batch of second level students? Well, St Mary’s will welcome its new first years on Friday next, 23rd August. The Patrician Academy students will pass through the gates of their new school on Monday 26th August, followed on Tuesday by Davis College students. St Mary’s will have 80 first-years, Patrician Academy 70, and Davis College 120. For photos of Leaving Cert Day, see page 15.