State exams 2026: Irish paper 1 described as 'fair' and 'accessible'

Ireland Ogurdlele at Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School in Tralee, Co. Kerry, before his Junior Cycle exam this morning. Photo: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

Irish paper 1 offered Leaving Cert students the opportunity to "showcase their Irish language skills with confidence". 

The 2026 State exams continued into its second week on Monday, with Leaving Cert maths paper 2 and Irish paper 1, as well and Junior Cycle business studies and science.