Pictures: Cork students celebrate their Junior Cert exam results 

CORK students were among almost 71,000 students nationally to receive their Junior Cycle examination results yesterday.

A total of 629,189 grades were issued across 21 individual subjects examined in what marked the second full year of examinations in the reformed Junior Cycle.

Speaking to The Echo, principal of Kinsale Community School, Fergal McCarthy, said that by and large students were very pleased with their results.

“They were delighted. The results that they got were really, really excellent,” he said.

“It’s great that they have this affirming exam completed and it allows them to derive guidance from it now as they work on what their subject options will be for going into fifth year.” 

Mr McCarthy encouraged any student disappointed by their results not to be disheartened. 

“If you’re a little bit upset by what you’ve got then don’t worry about it because it’s not that high-stakes an exam.

“It provides a really good, affirming indication of where it is that you’re at, but it doesn’t define any student and it merely guides them in respect of the choices they’ll be making in respect of senior cycle,” he said.

The Minister for Education Norma Foley led the tributes to students who received examination results yesterday offering her "sincere congratulations and good wishes to all".

“Through the energy and dedication you have applied to your school lives to date, you have attained a great deal of knowledge and developed a myriad of talents, skills and ambitions which will pave the way as you embark on the next stage of your education journey.

“I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best for those exciting next steps that lie ahead,” she added.

She also paid tribute to students’ families, teachers and school communities for their support and guidance.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to recognise and thank your families, teachers and school communities for the many ways in which they have worked to guide and support you towards reaching this milestone today," Ms Foley said. 

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan also extended her well wishes. 

“I would like to send congratulations to each and every student receiving results today, particularly those with special educational needs," she said. 

“You have put in the hard work to get to this point and have so much to celebrate as you reflect on all you have achieved and look forward to all that lies ahead."