Leaving Cert joy in Waterford as around 1,800 students receive results and plan next steps

Around 1,800 students were receiving their Leaving Certificate results in County Waterford on Friday, with many students meeting or exceeding their expectations. Blackwater Community School (BCS) in Lismore celebrated with many students coming in to mingle with staff and discuss future plans. Principal Denis Ring said: 'We are absolutely delighted on receiving the Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied results this morning. 'It was fantastic to see so many of our students and teachers come together to celebrate the excellent results. The majority of students came to the school and we shared in their celebrations. 'We are so proud that we have students who achieved such outstanding results in the higher end of the total points, opening the opportunities for professions such as Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Education and indeed proud of our students who have guaranteed their college access points for their preferred choices or apprenticeships. The number of Distinctions in LCA was also outstanding. Read more Clare Leaving Cert students receive results — 'What stands out most today is their happiness' 'As school principal, I am extremely proud of the results achieved at all levels and congratulate our students and parents on these achievements, and thanks to our staff for enabling our students to realise their full potential in what we always believe to be such a positive environment.' Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School, in Ozanam Street, Waterford. © Facebook Two Blackwater students really excelled, earning the maximum 625 points. Mr Ring said education and third level access have come a long way in the 23 years he has been principal. 'The changes I've seen have been absolutely dramatic in terms of student opportunities, in progressing. Before, you didn't get the points, and you were absolutely devastated not to get your course. 'And you repeated, and in some cases, repeated again, for medicine or whatever it might be, to ensure you get what you want. Whereas now, there are so many backdoors, windows, that you can get in by alternative routes, and it might take a little longer, but people get there.' In some ways, those 'scenic routes' are nearly better, as the student gets there in 'bitesize chunks' where the stress and pressure may not be as bad, said Mr Ring. Mr Ring singled out BCS's Ukrainian students for special praise, who excelled at the Ukrainian and Russian languages in the Leaving Cert. 'We had six H1s for our students this year, which is great that they can capitalise on that, in the sense of being able to do a State exam in Ireland in their native language.' Mr Ring said they were 'gobsmacked' at how many students came into school to celebrate and receive the news, when they could access the results online. 'The vast majority of our students came in today, and it was heartening to see so many of them, and so many staff here as well to meet with them.' It created a really 'good vibe' which will live long in the memory, added Mr Ring. Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School, in Ozanam Street, Waterford, said: 'Well done to all our Leaving Cert students on their fantastic results. We are all incredibly proud of you and what you have achieved. 'Best of luck with your future studies and careers. Thank you for coming into celebrate with us and having some cake.'