A class of their own:
Schoolfriends Maria Doyle (15), Ella O’Callaghan (15) and Alanna France (16), from Donabate Community College, Co Dublin, show their delight after they were among the thousands of students getting their Junior Cert results yesterday.
EMILY Calton O’Keeffe was flying high after scoring 10 As in her Junior Certificate exams.
The hard-working 16-yearold, from Castletroy in Limerick, has been training to be a pilot since she was 14.
Now a top gun both in the air and the classroom, Emily remained grounded as she received her sterling exam results at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.
An impressive six students at the school, including Emily, achieved As in all of their 10 higher level subjects.
Twenty-four of the school’s 103 junior certificate students received higher level grade As and Bs in their results.
“I want to be a pilot, flying the big 747s. There’s no pilots in my family at all… I just always wanted to do it,” said Emily.
One of the youngest members of Limerick Flying Club, she has already “had a few lessons” in the air, and “loves it”.
“I have flown in Coonagh [Airfield] on a small little two-seater plane.
“I haven’t taken off or landed the plane yet, but I’ve taken the controls while we were up in the air,” she explained.
Emily was “over the moon” at her exam results, while her mother, Anne Calton O’Keeffe, was “delighted”, adding: “She worked extremely hard, and it’s great its paid off for her.
“She started flying when she was 14 with Limerick Flying Club. She loves it.
“Maybe we’ll get a few free air miles out of her,” she joked.
Five other students at the school celebrated getting their 10 As – Íde Ní Ifearnáin, Joe Tanner, Eve McMahon, Muireann Ní Shé, and Seoda Ní Chaoimh.
All admitted they were “surprised” to get top marks in every subject.
Íde, from Lisnagry, added: “It feels great to see the work you put in come good. I didn’t expect to do that well in English so I’m really happy.”
Joe, from Annacotty, was cool and calm as he reflected on achieving 10 As.
“It wasn’t too bad, and it worked out in the end anyway,” he said.
His mother, Mary Tanner, said she was “extremely proud” of him.
“He worked hard and steady since last September, so he deserved his results,” she said.
Seoda said that, after delivering top marks across every subject, she was looking forward to a bit of rest and relaxation.
“It was hard when my brother and sister were watching movies and I had to do my homework, but I can watch all those movies now,” she added.
Principal Donnacha Ó Treasaigh said he was “thrilled” for all those who received results.
“We’re absolutely delighted and thrilled,” he said.
“The students are extremely hard-working and very committed to their studies.
“The most important thing is the student meets their own potential.”