Top Leaving Cert students strike gold

Not only did they get top marks in their science subjects in the Leaving Certificate exams — now they’ve struck gold.

Innovation Minister Sean Sherlock has presented gold medals to Cork students who obtained the highest marks in applied maths, biology, chemistry, maths, and physics in Cork city and county in last year’s Leaving Cert.

Emma Porter, from Douglas Rd, Cork, won the gold medal for her biology result. Emma, who attended St Angela’s College, Cork, where her biology teacher was Ann Barrett, is studying medicine at UCC.

Richard d’Esterre Roberts, from Currabinny, Carrigaline, Co Cork, was honoured for his physics result.

Richard, who attended Christian Brothers College, where his physics teacher was Brian Trought, is studying economics and psychology at Trinity College Dublin.

Fiona O’Driscoll, from Skibbereen, a past pupil of Mercy Heights, Skibbereen, was honoured for her chemistry result. She’s now studying medicine at Trinity.

Richard Creedon, from Lissagroom, Crossbarry, Co Cork, won gold for his applied maths result.

Richard is a past pupil of Coláiste an Spioráid Naoimh in Bishopstown, where his teacher was Dr Gerry Hyde. Richard is studying civil and environmental engineering at UCC.

And Cian O’Mahony, from Barryscourt, Carrigtwohill, struck gold for his maths result.

He is now studying pharmacy at UCC.

“Cork has attracted some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. This is testament to our education system and the quality of the graduates we produce,” Mr Sherlock said.

“With the individuals honoured here, I have no doubt that the region will continue to provide the necessary quality and talent required by such global companies.”

The Cork Schools Science Awards Committee awards scheme, which was previously operated by the Cork Scientific Council, has been running for some 50 years.

The awards are sponsored by BASF (Ireland) Ltd, Eli Lilly, MSD (Brinny), GlaxoSmithKline, and UCC’s School of Mathematical Sciences.