Kinsale twins get identical points

THERE was double success for twin brothers from Kinsale who got identical Leaving Cert results, including top marks in art. 

Tim and Frank Curtin (18) of Kinsale Community School both received 496 points, which their principal Fergal McCarthy described as a ‘phenomenal coincidence.' 

Meanwhile, the message from deputy principal of Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, Brendan Walsh is that: ‘A result of 300 points for one Leaving Cert student is the same as 600 for another.'

Four of their students scored 600 points or more out of a maximum of 625; and out of a total of 76 students, 30% got 500 points or more with 43% getting 450 points or more. Mr Walsh also singled out their five Leaving Cert Applied students, who each got distinction.

Rosscarbery's Mount St Michael's top result went to a female student who got 603 points, with 12% of their students earning over 500 points. 

Principal Bart Kerrisk said they were delighted with their results, as 71% of his students who sat higher level physics got a H3 or higher; 66% who sat higher level history got a H3 or higher while 66% who sat higher level engineering scored a H2 or higher. 

Dr Kevin Healy, principal of Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí, said the school had a number of students with over 600 and 500 points.

‘Overall the students did very well: their efforts have been rewarded, and we wish them well in whatever career path they choose.'

Brendan Drinan, principal of Schull Community College, said they also had good spread of 500 points.

However, he added: ‘The new points calculation system has confused people because they are not seeing A1s on their form – instead they are seeing a number which must connect with the subject level they took. But in the long-term if it makes the system of getting into courses fairer, it will be worth it.'

Deputy principal of Bandon's Coláiste na Toirbhirte, Carolyn O'Flaherty said: ‘One student here did very well in getting over 600 points and 20% of our Leaving Cert students got over 500 points, with nearly 55% getting over 400 points, which is above the national average.'

Anton O'Mahony, the principal at Skibbereen Community School, which opened last September, said they were very pleased with their results: ‘This is an historic occasion – the first set of results out of Skibbereen Community School.'