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Earlier this month, author Claire Keegan joined The Women's Podcast bookclub for a live event at Chapters Bookstore in Dublin to discuss her favourite summer reading recommendations. In today's bonus episode, we're bringing you the live Q&A from the event with Keegan, where she answers questions on her writing process, film adaptations and her book being featured on the Leaving Cert syllabus.You can find the full live show here: https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/the-womens-podcast/the-womens-podcast-book-club-summer-reading-recommendations-with-claire-keegan/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the 2026 Leaving Cert class finish their exams, Brendan gets some words of wisdom on navigating adulthood, from singer Mary Coughlan; former footballer Roddy Collins; eight-time All-Ireland winner, Philly McMahon; Comedian, Kyla Cobbler; Poet, performer and playwright, Felispeaks; Comedian and podcaster, Justine Stafford.
With the Leaving Cert happening around the country at the moment, Amy and Darren reveal how they got on in their 6th year exams.There's a chance of a shortage of flakes for 99s this summer. The couple discuss their local ice-cream van, questioning the whereabouts of it in recent times. And do you remember Fili Follys and Lanky Larrys?Plus, there are listener questions to be answered, including Amy and Darren's earliest World Cup memories, and if they could be from another country, where would they pick?If you've got questions or topics for Amy and Darren, send them to TheConways@GoLoudNow.com!
The State Examinations Commission has apologised after an error was discovered in this year's Leaving Certificate Higher Level Biology paper. While teachers and students have generally described the exam as fair and accessible, a mistake in a genetics question caused confusion for some candidates. To discuss the paper, the SEC's response, what it means for students, and the Leaving Cert in general, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dan Sheedy, Principal of The Tuition Centre. Photo (c) Sengchoy Int via Canva
Coming up on today's Late Lunch, we talked to the heartbroken parents of Mia Lily Keogh O'Keeffe who are using their grief to campaign for better road safety measures and stronger enforcement laws. Four Our Fathers and one Hail Mary - how punters are using a confession box in a Meath pub, the hunt for paramedics who happened to be dining in a restaurant when Adrian McConville fell ill. An Post launches Letter to Yourself again and how a Leaving Cert student has turned her life around. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Leaving Cert exams are now well underway, and while some students may be relieved to have a few papers behind them, the reality is that this can often be the toughest part of the process.It's not just a stressful time for students either. Parents are often walking a fine line between being supportive and trying not to add to the pressure.Careers guidance expert Julie O'Connor from Synergie Careers, and a former guidance counsellor in Limerick, joined Joe to give her advice.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
While exams often represent a significant shift in routine, they don't necessarily need to be accompanied by a drastic change in diet. Simple, efficient ways to introduce nutrients and key sugars to ensure brain function throughout are more than enough. Joining Pat to discuss the dos and don'ts of exam dieting and wellbeing is registered dietician and nutritionist Sarah Keogh.
Pat Leahy and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has come out this week to demand the Rotunda maternity hospital withdraw permission for consultants on public-only contracts to practise privately on its premises. If not, it could have its funding pulled.· An investigation by Swedish tax authorities alleges that Oligarch and Vladimir Putin associate Oleg Deripaska, who is under EU sanctions over his role in supporting the invasion of Ukraine, still controls Rusal, the company that owns the Co Limerick industrial plant Aughinish Alumina.· And an explosive interview from Michael Healy-Rae on Radio Kerry detailed how he was “pulled overboard” by his brother and fellow Independent TD Danny, resulting in him resigning his position as minister of state. Could the rift see the brothers run against each other in the next general election?Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The joy of your first World Cup, the Leaving Cert is a tough but valuable experience, and Andy Burnham's byelection test in a Reform stronghold.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Playback. Private or Public? Our maternity care under scrutiny. Popstars climbing mountains with dodgy knees. And what's your Leaving Cert song? All on Playback presented by Sinéad Mooney.
It's the Geography leaving Cert exam today, so we thought it would be entertaining for everyone to give Oonagh a Geography test live on the show
A record number of students are sitting the state exams this year. Our reporter Barry Gallagher has been asking students at Saint Aiden's Community School in Tallaght, Dublin for their reaction to the English paper one. And for a full assessment of the first paper, english teacher Conor Murphy from Skibereen Community School in Cork.
This week Mark is joined by the inimitable Calvin O'Brien and Ed Smith to dissect some of your more colourful experiences in examination halls around Ireland. Send in your stories and suggestions here: https://www.instagram.com/mehiganmark/?hl=en
It's a nervous morning in thousands of households across the country as the Leaving Cert gets under way. First up is English paper 1 and to get some advice Anton was joined by Conor Murphy English teacher in Skibbereen Community School.
Oliver Callan Oliver's monologue on a Wednesday.
With the Leaving Certificate getting underway today, many students will be thinking about what comes next. While college remains a popular option, increasing numbers are also looking at apprenticeships and traineeships as a route into employment. FIT, the national coordinator for Tech Apprenticeships in Ireland, is encouraging students to consider careers in the growing tech sector. Clodagh Kearns is the People, Analytics and Wellbeing Lead at FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology)
It's a nervous morning in thousands of households across the country as the Leaving Cert gets under way. First up is English paper 1 and to get some advice Anton was joined by Conor Murphy English teacher in Skibbereen Community School.
From late-night brainstorming sessions to supermarket shelves, Noel Walsh introduces Solanti — a new Laois-founded electrolyte brand bringing Himalayan salt hydration products to Irish consumers through SuperValu. Tullamore entrepreneur Aonghus O'Donovan shares the story behind MyCelsius, an innovative cooling bracelet designed to help women experiencing hot flushes. William Walsh joins Ronan to explain how SMEs can reduce energy bills through SEAI's Easy Wins campaign, grants, and smarter efficiency upgrades. And ahead of the Leaving Cert, local business leaders reflect on exams, resilience, and why success is about far more than points.
On Tuesday's Football Daily, David Wilson brings you news from the international game, the World Cup and Europe.Ireland Women's National Team continue preparations in Cork ahead of Friday's crucial World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands.Carla Ward's side remain in contention for automatic qualification to the 2027 Women's World Cup following victories over Poland.Ward discusses Ireland's approach to a must-win clash with the Dutch at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.Netherlands injury concerns include the absences of Vivianne Miedema, Daphne van Domselaar and Jill Roord.Ireland face their own selection challenges with Denise O'Sullivan and Emily Murphy suspended.Katie McCabe confirms her move from Arsenal to Chelsea after a decade-long spell with the Gunners.Ward labels McCabe the best left-back in world football as the Ireland captain begins a new chapter.Cork native Megan Connolly reflects on returning home and how her move to Lazio has developed her game.Heimir Hallgrímsson's Republic of Ireland men's squad continue preparations in Montreal ahead of their friendly against Canada.Several League of Ireland players feature in the senior setup, while Jaden Umeh balances international duty with Leaving Cert exams.St Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper Joseph Anang earns a place in Ghana's World Cup squad.Scotland midfielder John McGinn speaks about the nation's first World Cup appearance since 1998.England arrive in the United States, with Thomas Tuchel discussing the challenge of adapting to summer conditions.Tim Clancy assesses England's World Cup prospects and whether expectations could work against them.Jim Crawford names a youthful Ireland Under-21 squad for upcoming friendlies against Croatia and Qatar.Liverpool open talks with Andoni Iraola as the leading candidate to replace Arne Slot at Anfield.Southampton boss Tonda Eckert apologises for the club's 'Spygate' scandal, while the show also features interviews with Clarence Seedorf and Troy Parrott.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join
The Leaving Cert kicks off tomorrow, and on this morning's Gift Grub, a whole host of crew joined Alison to wish every student (and every stressed-out parent) the very best of luck. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.
Paul Byrne talks to Aoife and Jack TMSCC students doing their Leaving Cert about the points race and what AI means to the future of work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the Leaving Cert begins tomorrow with English Paper 1 in the morning and Home Economics in the afternoon, we wanted to have a little chat about how students who may feel they aren't prepared enough can spend this evening and tomorrow morning.Joining Shane to give some last-minute tips is TJ Hegarty, Founder of BreakThroughMaths online tutoring, and Aoife O'Driscoll, an English teacher in Cork CBC, a textbook author and webinar deliverer at Tralee ED.
Limerick behavioural therapist Kevin Rea joins Joe for some practical advice for parents navigating Leaving Cert season.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Leaving Cert starts tomorrow, and Michael Gleeson of Ardscoil Rís joins Joe with practical advice for parents on helping students through the exam period, and budgeting expert, maths teacher and State Examiner Anita Collins is with us too.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As students careen towards the leaving cert, they may feel overwhelmed by what they know, what they have yet to learn and the impact the exam has on their lives. Years of schooling have prepared them for this and yet, as the date inches closer, it is up to them and their families to ensure they perform at their best. counsellor and education columnist for the irish times brian mooney joined Pat in the studio today to present tips on how to feel pressure only when it counts.
On Friday's Football Daily, David Wilson brings you news from the League of Ireland and the international game.Republic of Ireland edge past Qatar 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium thanks to an early Nathan Collins header.Jack Moylan provides the assist before being sent off for a high challenge just before half-time.Qatar reduced to 10 men as Almoez Ali sees red after an off-the-ball clash with Jayson Molumby.Stop The Game protests dominate headlines as tennis balls are thrown onto the pitch twice during the first half.Supporters voice opposition to Ireland fulfilling upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel.Heimir Hallgrimsson says he respects the fans' right to protest after the match.Off The Ball Breakfast discusses the difficult position Ireland players now find themselves in amid the controversy.An FAI Extraordinary General Meeting on boycotting Israel fixtures moves closer after enough support from General Assembly delegates.Jaden Umeh, Corrie Ndaba and Mason Melia all make senior Ireland debuts, while James Abankwah earns his third cap.Teenager Jaden Umeh prepares to sit his Leaving Cert exams in Canada while on international duty, with FAI staff helping organise logistics.Ireland fly to Canada on Saturday ahead of a June 6th clash with the World Cup hosts in Montreal.Shamrock Rovers host St. Patrick's Athletic in a huge League of Ireland showdown as first faces second in Tallaght.Stephen Kenny's St. Pats still searching for their first goal and first win against the champions this season.Derry City, Shelbourne, Bohemians and Drogheda United all in action as a full Premier Division schedule takes place before the mid-season break.Ireland international Lily Agg takes her first managerial role after being appointed Athlone Town women's boss on a two-and-a-half-year deal.Arsenal and PSG prepare for a blockbuster UEFA Women's Champions League final in Budapest this weekend.Argentina confirm Lionel Messi in their World Cup squad for what will be his sixth tournament, while Alejandro Garnacho misses out.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join
Students and households across the country are preparing for Leaving and Junior cert exams which kick off next week, but what is the best way to approach the paper when it is put in front of you, and is it ever wise to use AI to predict what will come up on the paper?Joining Shane to give some practical advice is Aoife O'Driscoll, English teacher in Cork CBC, textbook author and webinar deliverer at Tralee ED centre.
On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Daragh Dolan was joined live in-studio once again by Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Solutions. Tommy Corbett gives parents advice on preparing for the cost of third level education ahead of the Leaving Cert next week.
If you couldn't tell by the weather, the Leaving cert is creeping up faster than we think. So how can you prepare with just over a week to go? Dan Sheedy, Principal of The Tuition Centre is here to tell us.
If you couldn't tell by the weather, the Leaving cert is creeping up faster than we think. So how can you prepare with just over a week to go? Dan Sheedy, Principal of The Tuition Centre is here to tell us.
This week we are joined by electrical apprentice Aaron Murray for a special summer break bonus episode filled with honest conversation, motivation and real life perspective.Aaron speaks openly about his experience in school and why the traditional classroom environment was not a place where he felt he could truly thrive. We discuss the pressure surrounding the Leaving Cert and why exam results should never define someone's future or limit their career opportunities.We also talk about how Aaron landed his apprenticeship through connections built within his local community thanks to a friend's father and local football coach, highlighting the importance of relationships, networking and backing yourself when opportunities arise.The conversation also explores the huge role health and fitness has played in Aaron's life both physically and mentally. From amateur boxing to maintaining discipline and confidence, Aaron explains how staying active helped shape his mindset and resilience.We also discuss sponsorships, building relationships with brands and why creating genuine partnerships can open doors and create mutual support along the way.A brilliant conversation with plenty of value for apprentices, young people finding their path and anyone who has ever felt school was not the right fit for them.Big thanks to our sponsors Snickers Workwear Ireland and our Season 9 partners N2 Electrical Wholesalers and Hager Ireland for their continued support throughout the season.We look forward to being back in your ears and on your screens later this summer for Season 10 of The Stripped Back Podcast.
War erupted on this episode! A mum called Ciara is heartbroken after her daughter finishes 5th year and drops a bombshell: she doesn't want to do the Leaving Cert… she wants to do a nails course instead! Ciara says her daughter is too intelligent for it and fears she's “throwing her life away” when she could've gone to UCD to study psychology.
PJ hears about a nasty new scam that preys on Leaving Cert candidates from George Foley of ESET Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Conradh na Gaeilge will appear before the Oireachtas to protest the lack of Irish-medium education. This comes following record-breaking numbers of Irish exemptions in schools. Julian De Spáinn, Ard Runaí of Conradh na Gaeilge joins Ciara Doherty.
Last year, just 213 students from Northern Ireland started university in the Republic, yet thousands went to college in England, Scotland and Wales. Why is there such a discrepancy and should more be done to create more equity between the Leaving Cert and A-Level systems?Joining Seán to discuss is Michael Cairns, the former Head of Comms at the Northern Ireland Assembly and parent who has been writing about this in the Belfast Telegraph…
As over 61,000 students prepare to sit the Leaving Cert, the National Association of Principals and Deputies say CAO points are being treated as currency rather than a reflection of ability. Anton discusses this further with the Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies, Paul Crone.
Sickness has hit I'm Grand Mam towers this week, after a run of Irish tour dates and a busy period for the lads. Kevin is gearing up for this birthday, and the boys are addressing the allegations that their Cork accents are all for show; you got them, gals!The theme for this week is intelligence. As the old adage goes, you can't judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, so Kevin and PJ are unpacking what it means to be clever. They talk through the different types of intelligence, how street smarts are just as valuable as Leaving Cert results and how being funny is the smartest thing you can be.Purchase Happy Campers Tour Tickets here
Linda Jones, owner of the Travel Boutique in Bray and Jen Hogan, parenting columnist at The Irish Times
This episode with Harry O'Connell is one of the most unique stories I have had on this podcast. Harry is a current law student at Griffith College Dublin and the blogger behind Across the Pond Under the Law, but before any of that, he was a member of the Irish boy band Next In Line, signed to a record deal at 18 with legendary manager Louis Walsh (the same guy who helped form One Direction). Harry takes us through his journey, from only singing in front of people for the first time at 16 to getting out of class in his school musical, to auditioning alongside 4,000 people and making it into the group, to signing publishing, recording, and merchandise deals in London at 18 years old.What makes Harry's story so interesting is how his time as the point of contact between his band and their lawyer sparked his interest in law. He got a front-row seat to the legal side of the music business, and when he left the band at 22, it just felt right. Law school in Ireland is an undergraduate degree, which is wildly different from the U.S. system, and Harry breaks down how the whole process works, from the Leaving Cert to the three-year program he is now almost done with his first year of.This was a fantastic and genuinely fascinating conversation with someone whose path to law school is unlike anyone else I have had on. One you don't want to miss!Harry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-o-connellAcross the Pond Under the Law: https://acrossthepondunderthelaw.wordpress.comBe sure to check out the Official Sponsors for the Lawyers in the Making Podcast:Rhetoric - Empowers your teaching and training with AI that strengthens learning, protects integrity, and proves authentic understanding, for students and professionals alike, with CICERO. Find them here: userhetoric.comThe Law School Operating System™ Recorded Course - This course is for ambitious law students who want a proven, simple system to learn every topic in their classes to excel in class and on exams. Go to www.lisablasser.com, check out the student tab with course offerings, and use code LSOSNATE10 at checkout for 10% off Lisa's recorded course!Start LSAT - Founded by former guest and 22-year-old superstar, Alden Spratt, Start LSAT was built upon breaking down barriers, allowing anyone access to high-quality LSAT Prep. For $110, you get the Start LSAT self-paced course, and using code LITM10, you get 10% off the self-paced course! Check out Alden and Start LSAT at startlsat.com and use codeLITM10 for 10% off the self-paced course!Lawyers in the Making Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lawyers in the Making Podcast at lawyersinthemaking.substack.com/subscribe
PJ talks to ASTI President Padraig Curley about some fears people have expressed about ongoing changes to the way the Leaving Cert is examined Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PJ talks to teacher Michael McGrath about the row between the government and the ASTI that will see many schools without coordinators for projects that count towards the Leaving Cert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of “If I were the Minister for Education”, I interview Gavin Doyle, a Dublin secondary teacher and founder of Examinaite, about AI and technology in education. Gavin describes his path from teaching and high-level basketball to software development after time in San Francisco, and explains Examinaite's aim to reduce teacher workload through a bank of 25,000 Leaving Cert past questions with AI-supported marking, feedback, progress tracking, and generation of new differentiated mock questions, with potential for printable resources. They discuss using AI to tailor learning to pupils' interests, varying tech access in primary schools, and tools like NotebookLM and Claude for turning long texts into podcasts and creating engaging resources. They address concerns about AI cheating, limits of AI detection, assessment changes, and suggest more in-person exams, oral work, and teaching responsible, gradual AI use. Gavin also outlines “Craicathon”, a Gaeilge-focused hackathon at Dogpatch Labs with projects like Irish sign language translation, Irish-friendly venue maps with phrases, and an Irish-event rating app, and shares views on AI driving more personalised education and the importance of grit, resilience, and open-mindedness.00:00 Welcome and Subscribe00:47 Meet Gavin Doyle01:51 Gavin's Teaching and Tech Journey04:15 AI for Teachers Explained06:33 Cutting Admin and Corrections07:41 Examinaite for Leaving Cert Prep11:12 Primary Tech Reality Check12:04 Personalised Learning and New Questions16:13 AI Makes Coding Accessible18:28 Irish Language Tech Hackathon25:25 Creative Classroom AI Tools26:35 AI for Learning Styles27:09 NotebookLM Classroom Magic28:02 Claude Quizzes and Websites29:42 Cheating and Detection Limits32:25 AI Proof Assessment Ideas33:30 Teaching Responsible AI Use35:15 Internet to AI Parallels37:09 Personalisation and COVID Shift38:30 Alpha School Future Model42:23 Minister for Education Vision44:36 Future Skills Grit Resilience48:16 Wrap Up and Contact Info49:34 Host Closing Reflections This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.com/subscribe
A Greenland Shark stranded in Co Sligo last week - the first such recording on Ireland's coast - made news headlines around the world. Leaving Cert students Hammad Chaudhry and James Winters O'Donnell reported it to the IWDG, and they join us to share what they found, while Emilie de Loose of Atlantic Whale Deal provides further analysis...
A Tralee student is making history by being the first Irish student of non-Chinese descent to take on Mandarin for his Leaving Certificate exams.Ethan Gilroy, 6th year student at Mount Hawke in Tralee, joins Seán to discuss.
It's Opinions Matter Extra — the uncut, totally unedited weekend episode… and it goes completely off the rails. Adrian and Jeremy kick off with a “studio scandal” involving a can of 7Up and a certain someone's lipstick (yes, it's as disgusting as it sounds), before somehow ending up in a full-blown argument about beetroot on a turkey roll and why everyone seems to hate it. Then it's onto Jeremy being called out (again) over his Leaving Cert timeline, a chaotic chat about swearing and “God forgive me”, and a surprisingly serious dream: Jeremy landing a job doing Tube announcements in London… “Ding dong… next stop, Cockfosters.”
Kieran Christie, General Secretary ASTI, joins today's panel of Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin TD for Galway West and Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown.
The Government has defended its decision to increase school bus charges from next September.This increase will see transport fees double for primary school children and increase by a third for post primary, bringing them both up to a cost of €100 per child.We are also seeing the reintroduction of exam fees for Junior and Leaving Cert students...Joining Shane to discuss is Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education and Youth, and TD for Meath East.
As the Leaving Cert oral exams begin this weekend, we're going to look now at some tips and tricks not just to help your kids manage the stress involved, but also to succeed.Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Dan Sheedy, Principal of the Tuition Centre and a secondary school teacher for 25 years…
Easily the most daunting part of the Leaving Cert, the oral exams can send some students into a stress spiral.In this episode of the Studyclix Podcast, Andy, Erin & Aisling chat through some of things you can do to prepare, even when time is running out. From getting the basics down to tackling nerves, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone facing into oral exams right now.------Got an idea you'd like us to cover on the podcast? Drop us a line at info@studyclix.ie, or reach out to us on social media. Our DMs are always open
Disputes over freedom of speech, censorship and the shifting norms of acceptable discourse are part and parcel of modern political debate. Now the debate has come to the Leaving Cert. A review of content of the optional Politics and Society subject is underway, with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment saying consideration will be given “to potential risks associated with including theories that may be at odds with a human rights approach”. In response, one teacher wrote to Irish Times philosophy columnist Joe Humphreys to voice concern that proposed changes will prevent students from learning about 'difficult' ideas. Joe wrote about it in his latest Unthinkable column and on today's podcast he talks to Hugh about the teaching of politics in school, the leftward skew of 'key thinkers' featured in the curriculum and how the race for CAO points means the exploration of ideas is of secondary importance to second level students. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.