Junior Cert: Teacher gives reaction to Thursday's Irish exams

Kenneth Fox

A teacher has given their initial reaction to Junior Cert Irish papers for higher and ordinary level which students completed on Thursday.

Studyclix subject expert Stephen Doyle of Moyle Park College in Dublin said the higher level paper was fair and well-balanced.

“The 2025 Junior Cycle Irish Higher Level paper was fair and covered relatable topics for students. The reading comprehension, for example, was about climate change and young environmental activists, something that matters to students.

"Question H on the reading comprehension may have challenged less prepared students but, overall, the listening and reading sections were very manageable. The grammar section was also straightforward and not too complicated compared to previous years

“This year saw a change with the Drama question being paired with a short film question.

"This meant students needed to have both Drama and Novel prepared, as the Novel became a stand-alone question. All the literature sections questioned students on how the events, emotions or images made them feel. Students’ opinions and insights were very important throughout this exam.

"Overall, the literature questions would have been welcomed by students as they were of the same standard as previous years with no major surprises.

“Question 6, the essay-style question, had more choices this year which students will appreciate. It asked students to write for the school magazine about either a big event in Ireland or abroad, or a birthday party or day out in the city. This 50-mark question should have left students feeling confident.

“This was a fair paper that rewarded students who prepared well and should have been manageable for confident students. This paper was well-balanced and most students who studied hard would have been able to show their Irish skills well.”

Verdict on JC Irish T2 (Ordinary)

Speaking about the ordinary level paper, Stephen Doyle said: “It was easy to approach and covered the basic language skills students need.

"Short reading questions were about everyday things like cooking class and a visit to a concert and a disco with friend topics that students could understand easily. Overall, the paper was well set out and friendly for students, giving them different ways to do well while keeping to the right level for this level.”