Posted online: Aug 15th, 2008

By Dermot Keys
dermot@letterkennypost.com

Yesterday morning was a nerve-wrecking experience for the 1,950 Donegal students awaiting their Leaving Cert results but the majority those at Letterkenny’s schools seemed happy with their results.
There were the inevitable screams, shouts and tears as envelops were torn open. Mobile phones were usually the first port of call, as people called family and friends to give them the news. Leaving Cert results day remains as emotionally charged as ever on the evidence of Wednesday morning.
“It’s just such a relief,” said Loreto Convent student, Rebecca Robson.
“I didn’t expect it to go so well. I got Queen’s, which was my first choice, so that’s brilliant. I’m happy. I was very worried about Accounting and Spanish but I got both of them so I got what I needed. I got an A1 in English which was just the best thing ever!”
Her friend Judy Sweeney was “thrilled” with her results after repeating the Leaving.
“My results went up by 85 points from last year so it was absolutely fantastic. I was so delighted with history as well as I only did it for one year and I got a B2 in it.”
Ciaran McGill in St Eunan’s College had been apprehensive but was happy with the results.
“It just hasn’t hit me yet. I’m kind of in shock! I did far better then I expected. I thought I’d failed a couple.”
“I didn’t fail anything so it was brilliant,” said Rachel McGee.
“I was nervous and worried about maths but I passed it so I’m chuffed now.”
A common concern among the students that talked to the Letterkenny Post was maths. Word had spread that one-in-eight students had failed the subject, resulting in the highest failure rate in five years.
At Colaiste Ailigh, Owen Doherty and Caolan Devine were both relieved at the results. Both had started to get some last minute nerves but ended up pleasantly surprised.
Anne McHugh, principal at Errigal College, said that most of the school’s students had got what they wanted.
“I’m quite happy and the students seem quite happy. In general, hey seem to have got enough for what they want so that’s the main thing to be honest. It’s a case of so far, so good.”