UCC ticks all the boxes for top students
Top students Conor Durkan (left) and Paul Ryan pictured at the Eureka Centre for Inquiry Based Education in Science and Mathematics, UCC
Top students Conor Durkan (left) and Paul Ryan pictured at the Eureka Centre for Inquiry Based Education in Science and Mathematics, UCC
With maths, science and computer-oriented courses in high demand this year, both students were happy to accept a place at UCC. Conor, who attended Christian Brothers College at Sydney Hill, Cork, amassed nine A1s, while Paul, a student of Coláiste Chríost Rí, Turners Cross, Cork, weighed in with an impressive seven A1s.
Interestingly, both students were in the same year in primary school, Scoil Chríost Rí, Turners Cross, Cork, as well as the UCC Maths Enrichment Programme, set up in 1987. Sacrificing Saturday mornings to learn more about the theory and applications of mathematics was worthwhile, said Paul: “The strong link between Enrichment Maths and the UCC School of Mathematical Sciences gave me a taste for the subject. I was absolutely delighted when I achieved seven A1s in my Leaving Certificate, and knew that I was most definitely going to be returning to UCC, but this time as a Mathematical Sciences undergraduate.”
While doing well academically in their maths programme will be their main preoccupation, both students have set their sights on the wide array of extracurricular activities on offer throughout the year on campus.
Conor is particularly interested in networking with other budding musicians as a new academic year begins in September. The Douglas native excels at both guitar and piano, and he is already working on putting a band together: “Any society I can join or any gigs I can find during the year I’ll be up for. I’m starting playing this week with two of my friends, and we’re just going to see what happens. I’d love to go out and play my own music, and other people’s music. I’m into classical, jazz, blues, rock, singer-song writer stuff – Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, Gun and Roses, the Stones, anything at all.”
Paul also has an interest in music, and plans to return to keyboard playing as he sets out on his new student life at UCC.
Professor Patrick Fitzpatrick, Head of College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, applauded the students’ results: “We in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science are delighted to congratulate Conor and Paul on their outstanding achievements and to welcome them to our School of Mathematical Sciences. This is a very exciting time for students of mathematics who have excellent opportunities in a wide range of careers in areas such as information and communication technologies, engineering industries, research and financial services. But of course, it’s not all about the future prospects - doing mathematics is a hugely enjoyable activity in itself.”