Fionn's parents told he wouldn't cope with mainstream schools — now he's off to college

A bright young man who had been regarded as unlikely to do well at school is looking forward to studying engineering at MTU

Fionn McCarthy from Whitechurch Co Cork with his proud parents Glynn and Elaine and brothers Olan, Ronan, and Oisin, and dog Milo. Picture: Larry Cummins

His parents were told when he was three years old that he was unlikely to cope in mainstream education — but next week, Fionn McCarthy will be a university student.

Fionn, 18, and his family were celebrating at home in Whitechurch, Cork, last night after he achieved 430-points in his Leaving Cert — more than he needs for the engineering course he hopes to pursue at Munster Technological University (MTU).