Students urged to enjoy results night safely and responsibly

Celebrate with style, not with pace. That’s the message from a number of organisations urging Leaving Certificate students who intend to celebrate their results with alcohol to do so responsibly.

“We’re conscious that a significant number of Leaving Cert students are of legal drinking-age and drink alcohol, and will most likely want to celebrate their results with a few drinks,” said Fionnuala Sheehan, CEO of drinkaware.ie.

“But it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the night and end up overdoing it.

“That’s why we’re sending students a simple message: pace yourself and take control of how much and how fast you drink.”

Jackie O’Callaghan, PRO of the National Parents’ Council post-primary said: “Enjoy results night safely and responsibly, and look forward to what lies ahead — even if it’s not what you were expecting.

“Remember that alcohol improves neither the good nor the bad in a situation. If you choose to drink, do so at your own pace; drink what suits you, not anyone else, and make the most of this memorable night.”

The following advice has been issued to students:

*Some of your friends will be under 18, and drinking isn’t everyone’s idea of having a good time. If your friends don’t want to drink, that’s their decision. Respect it and move on.

*Eat a meal before you start drinking, and snack regularly throughout the night to help your system manage the alcohol.

*Carry an officially recognised form of ID.

*Drink lots of water. Keep yourself refreshed and hydrated by having a soft drink or some water between alcoholic drinks.

*Pace yourself. The best pace to drink at is your own, so opt out of rounds and avoid shots to make the most of your night out and avoid that killer hangover the morning after.

*Avoid rounds. Rounds aren’t just expensive, they also pressure you to drink at the pace of the group — which might be faster than you’re comfortable with.

*Plan how you’ll get home. Arrange how you’re going to get home before you go out, or install the Hailo taxi app so that you can pay for a taxi home with a credit or debit card.