News
Language exemptions can impact college applications
Language exemptions are granted to students with specific learning difficulties affecting language acquisition and this can happen in primary or secondary school.
Exemptions for college entry may also be granted to students who were born outside of Ireland or had a minimum amount of their education abroad. See www.nui.ie for details.
There can be some confusion around how language exemptions impact on college applications and it is very important that students and parents are clear on what they need to do at this stage to make sure that the CAO is aware of an exemption. Every year there are applicants who are disappointed on the day of the CAO First Round offers because they don’t receive an offer in spite having the required points. One of the reasons why this can happen is because an applicant has forgotten to process their language exemption. They often assume that having an exemption from language in school means that colleges and universities are aware of that, but this is not the case.
Some, but not all, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have general entry requirements regarding languages other than English and they are not the same in all colleges and universities. It is important to note that the language requirements are not in place for all programmes in these HEIs so it is really imperative that applicants check the general entry requirements and specific course requirements for the programmes they are applying for.
There are four universities that come under the National University of Ireland (NUI); UCC, UCD, Maynooth University and NUI Galway, as well as member institutions which include Royal College of Surgeons, St Angela’s College, Sligo and National College of Art and Design. To apply for exemptions from any NUI college you need to complete the relevant form which can be downloaded from www.nui.ie and post it back to NUI. It is recommended that you do this 21 days after opening your CAO account but if you haven’t done so, it is not too late. CAO are notified of the exemption by NUI and it should appear on your CAO account one month after being processed. To apply for language exemptions for courses in Trinity College (TCD), UL or Mary Immaculate College, you will need to contact the relevant Admissions Offices directly. Exemptions for TCD should appear on your CAO account by the end of May. You will receive a Statement of Application Record in May from CAO instructing you to check all your details including language exemptions, which are recorded in the Qualifications and Assessments section. If it is not there you will need to contact CAO immediately. CAO do not record exemptions granted by UL or Mary I so contact their Admission Offices directly for guidance.
Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Career Consultant. For details see www.mycareerplan.ie.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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