News
May reminders for CAO applicants
By Guidance Counsellor Niamh Dwyer
The month of May is a very important one for CAO applicants as there are some key deadlines and dates coming up.
Late Applications close May 1
If you still want to apply to CAO 2023 and haven’t already done so, you must apply before the Late Application deadline which is on May 1 at 5pm. The fee for late applications is €60 and some restrictions do apply at this stage. For example, in general, courses which are categorised as ‘restricted’ cannot be added now and some Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may not consider late applications for certain categories of applicant. Make sure to check the relevant HEI website before applying.
Statement of Application Process begins on May 5
CAO have stated that they will start to send out the Statement of Application emails on Friday, May 5 (subject to change) for those presenting Leaving Certificate qualifications. Those presenting other qualifications will receive emails in the following day/weeks. If you have opted to receive text messages you will be sent a notification by text and email to the number/address that you have supplied in your application. It is essential that you check this email carefully and follow the instructions. You will be asked to log into your CAO account and verify that all of your information is recorded correctly. This includes your personal details, qualifications and assessment section which includes examination and language exemption information as well as your course choices. If there are any omissions or errors you must inform CAO immediately as this could have consequences at offer stage and may lead to a loss of a college place. Don’t assume that your examination number and information is correct, check everything carefully. If you have not received the Statement of Application Record email by June 1, contact the CAO immediately via the Contact section of the website.
Change of Mind facility opens on May 5
From Friday, May 5 at 12pm the CAO Change of Mind facility opens to allow applicants to make changes to course choices. This can be done up to July 1 at 5pm, which is the final deadline to make any changes. You have two lists of courses to consider in your CAO application – Level 8 and Level 7/6. The two lists are completely separate in your application and you have the option to include up to 10 choices on both. The absolute golden rule when listing your courses on CAO is to do so in ORDER OF PREFERENCE. You can take out, add in or change the order of the courses. Some restrictions do apply. There is no charge for the Change of Mind facility and if you make a change online, an acknowledgement is sent to the email address used at the application stage. You can make changes right up to the July 1 deadline at 5pm but not after that! You can also log on to www.cao.ie to check the application at any time. Video guides to the Change of Mind and the Statement of Application Record are available on www.cao.ie.
Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore and a member of Kerry Branch of IGC. See www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub
A Kilcummin native living in New Zealand is appealing to the Kerry community for genuine local memorabilia to decorate his new Irish pub and deli on the other side of the world.
Cian Curtin and his wife are currently fitting out The Snug, a new venture located in New Brighton, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. By day, the venue will operate as a deli serving Irish staples such as breakfast rolls, chicken fillet rolls, home-made soda bread, and fresh milk. In the evenings, it will transform into a traditional neighbourhood pub featuring Irish food, drink, and live music.
Determined to create an authentic atmosphere rather than relying on generic decorations, Cian is calling on Kerry locals, businesses, and sports clubs to send over items with a real story behind them.
“Being from Kilcummin, there’ll naturally be plenty of Kerry influence around the place. One thing that’s particularly important to me is that the pub doesn’t end up filled with generic, newly made ‘Irish pub’ decorations. I’d much rather fill the walls gradually with genuine pieces from home that have a bit of history and a story behind them. If any local pubs, clubs, businesses or readers had an old sign, photograph, jersey, bar piece or other bit of Kerry memorabilia gathering dust that they thought deserved a new home on the other side of the world, I’d absolutely love to hear from them.”
If you can help email: thesnugirishbar@gmail.com
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.
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