'It was an emotional moment': Students complete Ireland's first Leaving Cert Ukrainian exam 

'For me, it was an emotional moment to see our language included officially. We sincerely thank everyone for making it happen,' said Mariia Bielik, left. She and Viktoriia Babachenko completed the higher level Leaving Certificate Ukrainian paper at their school, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Howard Crowdy

An Olympic hopeful was among the inaugural students to sit the first ever Leaving Cert Ukrainian exam, in a day of mixed emotions for the students who arrived in Ireland fleeing war.

Schools across the country have welcomed thousands of students through their doors since 2022, many of whom arrived to Ireland without fluent English.