St Macartan’s College students celebrate Leaving Cert success as they look ahead to next chapter

Principal of St Macartan’s College, Monaghan Town, David McCague spoke to The Celt at a reception for students at 2pm today (Friday), after they were invited back to the school following the release of their Leaving Certificate results.

Mr McCague said the results represented a “red letter day in the school calendar”, with more than half of the year group achieving over 400 points and some students reaching around the 600-point mark. He also praised the work of the students and staff in preparing for the exams.

“We're delighted that over half of the students in the year group got over 400 points. That's a very consistent level of reward for our students.”

He also reassured students who did not achieve the results they had hoped for that a range of opportunities remained open to them through other pathways.

Reflecting on the students' six years at St Macartan’s, Mr McCague said they were leaving with more than qualifications: “Over the course of six years, they have developed a set of values and skills and now qualifications that are going to embolden and empower them as they go into their lives as young men.”

Deputy Principal Sharon O’Shaughnessy and Year Head Pat Meehan were also present at the reception as students returned to the school after receiving their results. Around 50 per cent of the year group returned for the afternoon gathering, with Mr McCague saying it was great to see them interacting with their peers and sharing their success stories.

Mr McCague also said there was strong interest among the year group in studying in Northern Ireland: “There's a high popularity with the northern route in the current year group, particularly in the business courses in Northern Ireland.”

Among those celebrating their results was Konrad Oleksy: “I've done pretty well, I’m happy, I got 555 points. I want to do Mechanical Engineering. I got Queens. It’s Trinity or Queens, I think the points will go down on Wednesday.”

Conor McMeel told the Celt: “I got 566 points and I got Mechanical Engineering in Ulster University, Belfast.”

Joe Foley said: “I also got 566, so I'm looking to do Accounting and Economics in Ulster University, Belfast … for the craic! I think it was conditional, if you got the points you're automatically on the course.”

Daniel Aughey achieved 522 points and is considering courses in Dublin and Galway: “I got 522 points and I'm hoping to do Business Studies in DCU or maybe Commerce International with French in Galway. I have the points for the courses. I didn't get the points for my number one choice, but I'm happy enough with how I did.”

The lads were very relieved that the exams were behind them and now they, along with the rest of their Leaving Cert year, look forward to what the next chapter has in store for them.