Sisters Ellie and Zara get identical points in the Leaving Cert!
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
THERE was double delight for twins Ellie and Zara Browne from Salerno Secondary School who each received exactly the same points in the Leaving Certificate.
The dynamic duo achieved identical scores of 613 points despite taking different subjects. Not only that, but they hope to pursue separate career paths, with Ellie opting for Law while Zara would like to study Pharmacy.
Together, they are part of the 20% of Salerno graduates who received in excess of 600 points, as the school surpassed the national average across all subjects.
Many students reported exceeding their expectations and are confident in advance of the CAO offers this week.
Approximately 30% of Salerno students achieved the top grade at their chosen maths level, with 67% achieving a H1 in the first year of Applied Maths, compared to the national average of 25%.
Principal Marie Flannery praised the teachers who, she says, along with parents, are the most important and essential ingredient of students' success.
“I am so proud of the students who worked so hard to achieve their best in the exam,” she says.
“More importantly, I am in awe of the excellence of our teachers as they support, care and encourage the students every day, not only academically, but in their learning to be the wonderful young people they are!”
Meanwhile, it was top marks for Rebecca Walsh from Colaiste na Coiribe in Knocknacarra, who achieved seven H1s, gaining the maximum 625 points.
The budding 19-year-old actress is destined for stardom as she pursues a career in drama and performance.
Her goal is to be accepted into The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College Dublin, which boasts Paul Mescal among its alumni. The daughter of Olive and Mick, and sibling to younger brother Aaron, Rebecca sat her Leaving Certificate through Irish, having gained a love for the language since attending Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh.
Her study was not without challenges. Her beloved grandparents, Connie and Michael Turley of Knocknacarra, both died in the last year and had been living with her family at home.
“She has wanted to perform since she was five-years-old,” says proud mum Olive Walsh.
Pictured: Marie Flannery, Principal at Salerno Secondary School, pictured with Leaving Certificate students, twin sisters Zara (left) and Ellie Browne from Salthill, who scored the identical number of points, during the celebrations at the school following the Leaving Certificate results. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.