More glory as sporting and music stars get their results

THE cream of Ireland's young sporting and musical elite yesterday revealed their academic prowess as they picked up top scores in the Leaving Cert yesterday.

Although Derek Burke (18) of Crystal Swing refused to publically divulge what he scored, the singer insisted he was delighted.

'My whole Leaving Cert was six hours study in one day inside here in the school. I did nothing else. I was walking into exams and I was still on the phone doing media interviews.'

As he lined up to collect his results at St Colman's Community College in Co Cork, Derek said: 'I'm after getting a really good Leaving Cert. I cannot believe it -- what would it have been like if I had done it properly?'

'I didn't even fill out a CAO form. My career guidance teacher used to be killing me over it. But I said, "no, I'm not filling it out",' he said.

'After everything that has happened, I don't need it.'

Waterford hurler Brian O'Halloran (19) scored a magnificent 505 points.

The result was a welcome boost for the student, who was left disappointed after losing the All-Ireland semi-final with the Waterford team last Sunday.

The student of Pobalscoil Na Trionoide in Youghal in Cork is now hoping it will allow him to study primary school teaching at the Mary Immaculate College in the University of Limerick.

Irish swimming sensation Grainne Murphy also picked up her results after her silver-medal win in the 1,500-metre freestyle at the European Swimming Championships last Saturday.

- Patricia McDonagh, Ralph Riegel and Anita Guidera

Irish Independent