Zero tolerance approach as Junior Cert celebrations begin

Gardaí say they will be taking a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour in Cork tonight as students receive their Junior Certificate results today. 

This year's results have been released later than other years because of the amount of re-checks in the Leaving Certificate results.

Over 635,000 individual grades in 25 different subjects are being delivered to the 31,564 female and 32,766 male candidates in this year’s examination across the country. Students can also access their results through the online examination results service on examinations.ie from 4pm today. The overall numbers sitting the examination has increased by 2.7 per cent on last year.

This is also the first time students will receive them on a Friday instead of a Wednesday and gardaí have issued a stern warning as students head out to celebrate today. 

Gardaí are urging students and their parents to be mindful about the dangers of drinking and taking drugs.

Additional gardaí will be patrolling from early this evening, a garda spokesperson confirmed. They will be operating in a uniform and also plain clothes capacity and will be adopting a zero tolerance approach to anyone found behaving in an anti-social manner.

The spokesperson said: “Many teens will be in high spirits as they head out to celebrate with their friends this evening and it is our hope that each and every one of them has a safe and enjoyable night. We are asking everyone to take a few simple precautions to ensure this. 

“Have a plan for the evening. How are you getting home? Are you taking a taxi, getting a lift or staying with a friend? Be mindful of your property. Keep your phone, wallet or purse on you at all times. If you find yourself in a scenario and sense there could be trouble, walk away. Call the gardaí immediately if you feel the situation is getting out of hand. Think of the consequences for both yourself and others if you were to hit someone.”