Four students shared the top place in physics in the 2014 Leaving Certificate, while a student from Belfast took the top award in Northern Ireland A-Level physics. Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English, presented the Institute of Physics in Ireland silver medals to the students at an event in the RDS on 9th December.
Speaking at the presentation, Minister English said: “I am delighted to present these medals on behalf of the Institute of Physics Ireland, recognising outstanding achievements in physics. The government believes that STEM subjects like physics are hugely important, both in themselves and also in sustaining economic growth and employment into the future."
The event was attended by friends and members of IOP Ireland together with the students, families and teachers. Three of the students were from schools in Cork while the fourth came from Kilkenny.
The winners were:
Simon Kieran Bluett, CBS, James St, Kilkenny.
Teacher: Mr John Kennedy
Currently studying engineering at Trinity College Dublin.
Ciaran Hurley, St Francis Capuchin College, Rochestown, Cork City
Teacher: Mr John O’Donovan
Currently studying medicine at University College Cork.
Cormac Patrick O’Mahony, Christian Brothers College, Sidney Hill, Cork
Teacher: Mr Frank Cotter
Currently studying mathematical science at UCC.
Kevin Holland, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork
Teacher: Ms Sian Joyce, who also won the IOPI teacher award in 2013.
Studying process and chemical engineering at UCC
Matthew Kingston, Belfast High School
Teacher: Dr Kathy Gibson
Studying natural sciences at Cambridge University.
For CBS Sidney Hill it was the third time that they have had a student take top place in physics, and in fact students from Cork have won the award 11 times in the past 15 years.
The event also included the launch of a booklet from IOP Ireland, 50 Years Looking Forward, which marked the 50th anniversary of IOPI.
