Four A’s for mature students’ education foray

FOUR mature Dublin students who scored A’s in Junior Cert maths were beaming like kids at Liberties College yesterday as they showed off their exam results.

The women hooked up with second-chance, community-based education in the city's North Strand area to learn a range of skills, including computers, social studies and communications as well as Junior Cert maths.

It took grit and determination as they were raising children and studying five mornings a week.

"This is quite an achievement, because it meant going back to education after a significant period of time," said Anne Flannery, co-ordinator of the three-year project. "It gave them confidence in their own belief that they could learn."

Imelda O'Keeffe, 25, said: "I never had sat an exam in my life before this. I'm just delighted. I can't take it all in just yet."

Mary Meehan, 36, said: "I wanted to do something better for myself than sitting at home waiting on the kids to come in each day. I was a bit nervous going into the exam, but we had the subjects covered."

Jacqui O'Keeffe, 36, with two children, said she planned to continue her education. "The kids think it's great I'm doing it."

Alison O'Keeffe, 33, with five children, said: "Amy, my daughter is doing her Junior Cert next year. She's thrilled for me." Cue squeals of delight and hugs all round.

It was a recurring scene on St Stephen's Green yesterday as they streamed out of Loreto College. Everybody was on a high.

"Fantastic," exclaimed Drumcondra student Aoife O'Hora, momentarily lost for words on the foot of eight A's and two B's, as she was hugged and kissed by her mother Wendy.

From Castleknock, Michelle Ahern shared the glow of success with her mother Phil. Yet another eight A's and two B's.

A clutch of five girls gathered. Needless to say, all had secured eight A's. Castleknock stalwarts included Jenny Stokes, Hannah Kirk and Andrea Mulligan, with Sarah Swaine, Ballsbridge, and Ealga Beary from Malahide.

"I didn't really expect it," said Jenny. "I didn't think about it too much. I did study quite hard, but I never expected this and I can say that honestly." Her colleague Emer Walsh scored seven As, which surprised her, considering how she fared at the Christmas mocks. As others considered how to celebrate, Andrea was considering her work experience prospects. "I'd love a job in a newspaper," she said.