Triona sits exams in hospital bed

IT COULD be worse — that’s the attitude of Leaving Cert student Triona Brassil, who has been taking her exam papers in hospital all week.

The student from Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, became ill as she was about to begin the Irish paper, on Monday.

“The pain was extremely uncomfortable, but I struggled through. I nearly passed out,’” said Triona.

She was admitted to Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, with suspected appendicitis.

“I was told I might have to undergo surgery. That was a real shock and it would have meant doing the Leaving Cert next year,” said Triona.

But a scan showed appendicitis was not the problem and surgery was not required.

Supervision was arranged by her school and this enabled her to sit the exams.

Triona, from Ardfert, said the hospital staff were “just great”.

“And, at least, I’m able to sit the exam,” she added.