A Leaving Cert student in Co Cork who secured nine A1s today put his success down to the support of others around him.
Rory Crotty, from the Christian Brothers’ College (CBC), Sidney Hill in Cork City, admitted he was shocked by the result despite having his head in books all year.
He achieved the highest result in the State. More than 57,000 students undertook the Leaving Cert in total this year.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Rory, who is a nephew of Dominic Crotty, the former Munster full-back, said he was surprised to have done so well.
"When I was doing the exams I knew they were going fine and thought that's I'd do okay but I never expected to get nine A1s. I'm pretty pleased about it and my family are very happy."
Rory, who is intending to study medicine at University College Cork (UCC) took Latin and music as his extra subjects.
While he undertook chemistry grinds last year Rory undertook this year's exams without doing grinds.
“I put in a lot of work myself but it’s not like I was doing it myself," he said. "I got great support from school, home and friends and loads of people behind me and that made it much easier for me.”
Rory’s father Owen, a dentist, and his uncle, Dominic, are both former pupils at CBC on Sidney Hill.
Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe, a Cork native, visited the school to personally congratulate Rory.
School principal Laurence Jordan said while he wouldn’t recommend students sit nine subjects the school was happy to provide the facilities for Rory.
“It is a great result for the guy personally, his teachers and family,” said Mr Jordan.
The school once again bucked the trend in maths - with 32 pupils securing As in higher level maths. Last year one class of 30 honours students achieved 24 A1s, three A2s, and three B1s.
“Our performance in maths surpasses all national trends,” added Mr Jordan. “We had 132 students sit the Leaving Cert and 24 per cent got As."
Additional reporting: PA