IRISH LEAVING CERT PAPER II: HIGHER LEVEL:POET CATHAL Ó Searcaigh did not appear on this year's Irish Leaving Cert Paper II some months after the controversy surrounding the documentary Fairytale of Kathmandu.
Clare Grealy, Irish teacher in the Institute of Education, said teachers were not expecting a question on the poet, as he appeared in three sections in last year’s paper. “There really wasn’t much chance of him coming up. I will be teaching his work next year,” she said.
“Overall I think this year’s paper was straightforward and manageable for students and the State Exams Commission have to be commended as it was one of the best papers in years,” she said.
Eamonn Maguire, Irish Times study guide expert, said the question on An Triail, which is a popular choice for drama with most students, was very “doable”, while those attempting A Thig Ná Tit Orm were delighted with the question about life in the west Kerry Gaeltacht.
Filíocht Breise was equally well received, with Oíche Nollaig na mBan and Dán do Mhelissa coming up after being widely anticipated, said Mr Maguire.
The named poetry and prose followed very predictable patterns, according to Mr Maguire. Ms Grealy said both sections of the poetry, Q3a and Q3c, would have been widely anticipated and rewarded students who made an effort throughout the senior cycle.
Students were also pleased with Stair na Gaeilge, featuring many of the old favourites.
