Pictures: Almost 300 students honoured for excellence in examinations

CORK ETB paid glowing tributes to 299 students who were honoured for displaying academic excellence in their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) examinations, with a number also recognised as Students of the Year for 2023.

The annual event, held at Rochestown Park Hotel, saw more than 800 family members, friends, teachers, and principals in attendance.

The Class of 2023 saw the highest ever numbers of students receiving awards from Cork ETB, with 23 students from 13 schools achieving the ‘perfect score’ of 625 points in their examinations.

“The results that you have achieved in the Leaving Certificate and LCA examinations are among the very best in the country,” Cork ETB’s chief executive Denis Leamy said.

“This is a moment of celebration not only for you, but also for your parents and family who supported, cajoled, and stood by you.

“You have repaid them in the very high results you have gained.

“The Leaving Certificate and LCA examinations are the start of lifelong learning, and many of you are continuing your journey in further education, training, and higher education, so the best for you has yet to come.

“As we acknowledge your outstanding academic achievements, it is crucial to remember that success is not solely defined by grades and results,” he continued.

“While results are undeniably important, who we are as people, as friends, as family members, as community members is the true measure of our character.

“It’s the kindness we show, the support we offer, and the love we give that truly makes a lasting impact on the people and the world around us.”

The categories in which students that excelled and were recognised by Cork ETB for their accomplishments during the awards ceremony were: Student of the Year 2023, which saw awards handed to 25 recipients; LCA Special Commendation Certificates, which were awarded to 74 students who achieved between 84% and 98% in their LCA exams; LCA Tomás Ó Conaill Medal, which was awarded to two students who received 100% across their LCA exams; Leaving Certificate Special Commendation Certificates, which were awarded to 70 students who achieved between 552 and 569 points in the exams; Leaving Certificate Medals, which were awarded to 128 students who achieved between 576 and 625 in the exams; and the Board Medal — regarded as the top award — given to 23 students who achieved full marks in their Leaving Certificate exams, amounting to 625 points.

Schools where students were awarded for exceptional results included Coachford College, Maria Immaculata Community College, St Colman’s Community College, Coláiste Choilm, Coláiste an Chraoibhín, Gaelcholáiste Choilm, Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí, Coláiste Ghobnatan, Clonakilty Community College, Glanmire Community College, Schull Community College, Coláiste Treasa, Coláiste Daibhéid, St Aidan’s Community College, Terence MacSwiney Community College, and St Brogan’s College.

Cork ETB was created under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013.

It is responsible for its functions in Cork City and Cork County Councils’ local authority areas.