Pupils did not miss a day in 14 years

FIVE students who never missed a day of school for 14 years have been honoured for their achievement.

The group, who sat their Leaving Certificate in June, never missed a day in primary or second-level school — almost 2,500 days of unbroken attendance each.

Cork’s Lord Mayor Cllr Brian Bermingham made presentations to David Paul O’Connell, a past pupil of Douglas Community School; Padraig De Barra of Gaelcholaiste Mhuire, North Monastery; Tanya Ann Scully from Regina Mundi in Douglas; Riobáird Ó Riogáin of Coláiste Chríost Rí and Steven Robinson from Ashton School in Blackrock.

They were among 56 students who were honoured for eight years or longer of unbroken school attendance by Cork City Council and the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB).

Also honoured were seven sets of siblings, including twins Jordan and Ryan Mulcahy, who did not miss one of their 1,400 days at Glasheen Boys National School up to last summer.

“A positive attitude to school is the best way to guarantee success at school and these students have shown great commitment and dedication, which will serve them well in their future careers and be recognised by employers,” said NEWB regional manager Dan O’Shea.

Other siblings honoured with certificates and trophies were: Shane Tyner (eight years attendance) and James Sean Tyner (10 years) at St Anthony’s National School, Ballinlough and Douglas Community School; Alan McGrath (eight years) and Karen Nic Chraith (nine years) at Scoil Iosagáin, Farranree and Gaelcholáiste Mhuire; Jessica and Amy Feeney, nine and 12 years respectively, students of North Presentation, Farranree; Ciara O’Regan, Christ King in Douglas, sister of Riobáird Ó Riogáin, with 10 years’ attendance; Darren O’Connell, brother of David, Douglas Community School, 10 years; Ruth and Sarah McCluskey, students of Mount Mercy College in Bishopstown with 10 and 11 years unbroken attendance.