Outstanding Junior Cert results were being celebrated at a school in Kilkenny City as students at Coláiste Pobail Osraí, Kilkenny’s post-primary school – where most subjects are taught through the medium of Irish – received their much-anticipated results.
One student, Cameron Sheldon, achieved eight Distinctions – the highest grade awarded at Junior Cycle.
Cameron’s parents, Heather and Compton, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Cameron and his incredible achievement of eight Distinctions. He has worked so hard, and it’s wonderful to see all his dedication and effort pay off.”
The students completed all their examinations – bar English – through Irish.
Students, families and teachers came together at the school to celebrate their achievements and share in the pride of results day.
Speaking on results day, Principal Cathnia Ó Muircheartaigh said: “Tá an ghrian ag taitneamh ar ár ndaltaí inniu, agus is maith a thuill siad é. Tá torthaí iontacha bainte amach acu, agus is léiriú iad ar a gcuid oibre crua agus ar a dtiomantas le trí bliana anuas.”
As Béarla he said: “The sun is shining on our students today, and they have truly earned it. They have achieved wonderful results, which reflect their hard work and commitment over the last three years.”
“Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas ar leith a dhéanamh leis an dalta a bhain ocht nGradam amach. Éacht iontach é sin. Tá an scoil ar fad an-bhródúil as obair iontach ár ndaltaí uile le linn na trí bliana sa tSraith Shóisearach.”
As Béarla: “I would like to offer special congratulations to the student who achieved eight Distinctions. That is a wonderful achievement. The whole school is very proud of all our students’ excellent work throughout the three years of the Junior Cycle.”
Almost 74,000 students received their Junior Cycle results on Wednesday 7 October after a record 73,879 candidates sat the exams in 2026. Schools were able to access their results through the State Examinations Commission portal, while students could also view their grades online.
The 2026 Junior Cycle results mark the largest cohort to sit the State examination. The number of candidates rose slightly from 73,336 in 2025 to 73,879 this year, an increase of 543 students.
The State Examinations Commission issued 651,123 grades across 21 subjects. Individual schools received the results electronically before principals distributed them to students.
