Points all round as Carlow's leaving certificate students learn their fates
Twins Mikey and Katie Geraghty Glynn from Ballinabranna were delighted with their results at Tyndall College
AN air of excitement and apprehension could be felt in Carlow secondary schools on Friday morning 21 August when the leaving certificate class of 2026 received the results that will catapult them into adulthood.
Two students at St Leo’s College, friends Áine Tuomey and Millie O’Hara, achieved the maximum 625 points while several more across the county received over 600 points.
Marking a full circle, Áine and Millie had their picture taken together on their first day of secondary school in 2020 and reunited for a photo on results day.
Students had the choice of going into their schools to get a hard copy of the results or receiving them online, which the vast majority preferred to do. But after the initial reveal, they popped into their schools to say hello to their teachers and fellow students.
Principal of St Leo’s Niamh Broderick said she was “extremely proud” of the class of more than 130 students, more than a quarter of whom achieved over 500 points.
At St Mary’s Academy CBS, principal Fiona Lennon said she was “really happy” for the class of 72 boys. One “exceptional” student, Kevin Ivanik, received 613 points and Fiona described him as “remarkable on so many levels, academically and with extra-curriculars.”
Principal of Presentation de la Salle, Bagenalstown, Michael Hickey, extended “huge congratulations” to the 120 leaving certificate students in his school. He extended special congratulations to Eve Kearney from Fenagh, who achieved 613 points and is hoping to go on to a healthcare degree in Cork or Dublin.
In Hacketstown, Coláiste Eoin student Emer O’Toole scored high points and the principal, Alan Costello, said congratulated all of the students who sat the exams.
Tyndall College’s top student turned out to be Katie Geraghty Glynn from Ballinabranna, who received 601 points. Her twin brother Mikey also did extremely well, getting 544 points.
Around 120 completed the leaving certificate at Tyndall College and another 40 completed the leaving certificate applied route, with 70% of the latter achieving distinction. Principal Gerry McGill described this as a “phenomenal result” and “really pleasing”.
Sarah Kennedy of Coláiste Aindriú was another proud principal, sharing that student Remi Nykl had achieved an amazing 555 points. She congratulated all the students on their results.
There were 91 leaving certificate students at St Mary's College, Knockbeg on the Carlow-Laois border who received results. Nearly a tenth of their students scored above 550 CAO points, with 38% above 450, according to principal John Maye.
He said the class of 2026 contributed hugely to the college and “will be genuinely missed.” Mr Maye and all the school principals paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the teachers, SNAs, ancillary staff, parents and guardians who supported the leaving certificate students through their exams.
The “outstanding results are a true testament to their hard work and dedication, the love and encouragement of their families and the calibre of education they have received,” said Ms Broderick of St Leo’s College.
CAO offers will be out tomorrow (Wednesday) and, until then, it’s a waiting game for many students.
STEM subjects including engineering, science and healthcare fields appear to be popular choices for students hoping to continue to third-level education across the county, with many choosing to take up electrical apprenticeships despite having achieved more than enough points for university courses.
“Sure, it’s fantastic! It’s a new chapter in all their lives,” said Mr McGill of Tyndall College. “These young people will go on and be ruling the country in 20 years' time.”
