Two Cork students who scored top Leaving Cert results share the secrets to their success 

Two Cork students who each received eight H1 grades in this year’s Leaving Cert have credited their exam success to keeping on top of their studies and going for runs to “clear the head”.

Ethan Wyse, from Douglas, and Peter Creagh, from Blackrock, each received top marks in eight subjects when they received their Leaving Cert results on Friday.

Both attended Christian Brothers College in Cork, where eight students achieved the maximum 625 points.

“I'm actually delighted. I'm shocked, of course. I'm really, really happy but I'm surprised,” said Ethan.

Alongside higher-level English, Irish and maths, he also studied applied maths, physics, chemistry and computer science.

He hopes to go on to study general engineering at Trinity College Dublin.

First round of offers

The first round of college place offers will be available to students next week when Round One offers are issued through the CAO.

His advice to students is simple: start early.

“Really getting going at the start of fifth year, doing a little bit of study, and doing it often, is probably the most important thing.” He also advised students to keep on top of their projects.

“Keeping on top of your projects, as well, because especially when there's going to be more of them introduced for nearly everything in the coming years,” he added.

“You can’t be leaving them to the final week, because we certainly had some really stressful periods a week or before project deadlines where you are just inundated with work.

“Getting the jump on them early, reading the briefs, is really important,” he said.

Keeping active was also important, he believes.

“I found a lot of solace in running. I do athletics in Togher and I play tennis as well. I’d go to the gym a bit too, to decompress.”

Massive relief

His classmate Peter Creagh was also thrilled with his eight H1s.

“Thrilled, massive relief really. I’m delighted,” he said.

He is hoping to study medicine at UCC, having opted to study French, German, biology, physics and chemistry.

“In the run up to the exams, it was pretty intense alright but during the year, I made sure to keep on top of things,” he said.

He said he tried to ensure he had covered everything taught in school each day.

“If I was going home, I’d make sure I knew everything that was covered in school that day,” he said of his study schedule.

“I wouldn’t let that build up. That’s mostly what I did - I made sure it didn’t get away from me.” I went on a good few runs to clear my head, and I also went to the gym a fair bit.”

Christian Brothers College principal David Lordon congratulated the Leaving Cert Class of 2026 on their “outstanding results”, saying their achievements reflected the dedication and resilience shown throughout their time at the school.

He also paid tribute to parents and staff for their support and wished students every success as they move on to third-level education and other future opportunities.