Dubs still flying high

dublin | miscellaneous | news report Thursday August 17, 2006 18:04 by Anthony Pringle pringle_an at yahoo dot com

Leaving Certiciate students embrace the Capital's streets despite a 4 nil loss to Holland and remarks of 'Dumbing Down' Leaving Certificate results

The Dubs were still flying high tonight despite a dreadful four nil loss at Lansdown and murky suggestions of 'Dumbing down' Leaving Certificate results. Last night was probably the quietest night on record in recent years, with youths from a broad spectrum of cultures coming together to celebrate one of the tougher exams they will face in their lives.
High alert and a strong Garda presence were evident in Temple bar and the O'Connell Bridge area for the anticipated co-incidence of Ireland vs Holland and the usually chaotic Leaving Certificate results night. Yet what faced the average punter was a civilised and well toned party all Irish could be proud of. Decked in orange wigs and checkered facepaint the Netherland supporters mixed in celebration with hundreds of 'Leaving Cert' revellers on Dublin's streets. In Temple Bar students sang in unison with street buskers to the contemplative notes of Oasis and John Lennon whilst the chants of Netherlands supporters provided the steady beat. Further down, blue and red lights bedecked the O'Connell Bridge triangle where the flashier and more active 'Leaving Certers' came to show off the latest dance moves to the sounds of Justin Timberlake.
Tonight students kicked their heels high as a record number of students scored over 450 points. ASTI president Michael Freely and Education Minister Mary Hanafin defended the hard working ethos of todays students despite claims of dumbing down results. Michael Freely noted that "students were paying a lot more attention to realising their education and career goals." Tonight that free and determined spirit was alive on Dublin's streets in the celebratory spirit of the Capital's students.
Despite rumours of a Taxi strike and with few occasions of disturbance the night was marked by high spirits and a smooth friendly atmosphere for our international Holland neighbours, the patrolling Garda and above all our recent Leaving Certificate students .