Five Laois figures share their Leaving Cert memories and advice

For the week that’s in it, as over 1,100 Laois students begin their Leaving Cert exams, we at the Leinster Express / Laois Live have asked some well known locals to share their memories, and their advice.

Amy Poole is a Personal Trainer and owner of AIM2TRAIN.

"I did my Leaving Cert in 2018 in Mountrath Community School. At the time, I felt completely lost and unsure of what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sporty in school and thought business was the right path, so I went on to study Marketing & Management in Limerick. It was only during that time I started getting into fitness and realised that’s where my real passion was.

Amy Poole at the finish of the Great Limerick Run half marathon.

"From there, I studied Strength & Conditioning in TUS Thurles, completed my PT cert, and eventually opened my own women-focused gym, AIM2TRAIN, in Pike of Rushall. Now, at just 25, I’m running a successful business doing something I absolutely love — helping women build confidence and stay active through fitness.

"My advice to anyone doing the Leaving Cert now is: give it your best, but don’t let it define you. Life takes you in all sorts of directions, and there are so many ways to get where you want to go — even if it’s not the way you expected," Amy said.

Katelyn Cummins works in Alpha Drives in Portlaoise and is the current Laois Rose.

"I did my Leaving Cert two years ago in 2023, in Heywood Community School in Ballinakill. I didn’t study heavily for the exams, not out of laziness, but because I already knew my path wouldn’t be determined by points.

Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins. Photo: Leinster Express.

"Now working in a hands-on, skilled apprenticeship I genuinely enjoy, I’d love to remind students that the Leaving Cert isn’t the be all and end all. My advice? Do your best, but know that your worth and future don’t hinge entirely on these exams. There are so many pathways to success, college is just one of them.

"I’m really passionate about encouraging others, especially students sitting their exams at the moment, to consider trades and other pathways. 

"Best of luck to all the young students sitting their Leaving Cert exams. 'Be yourself, everyone else is already taken'".

PJ Kavanagh, Portlaoise publican. Photo: Alf Harvey.

PJ Kavanagh owns and manages Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue in Portlaoise.

“I sat my Leaving Cert in 1997 in the CBS Portlaoise. I could have studied harder but I got on grand. I went on to DIT and studied Bar Management. It was a great time of my life, I had very few worries.

"My advice would be that there are exciting times ahead when you get over this little hurdle in life. Try not to get too uptight, things always work out. It seems a lot at the time but it isn’t that important after,” PJ said.

Eamon Fennelly is the chair of Portlaoise GAA club.

Eamon Fennelly, chair of Portlaoise GAA Club. Photo: Denis Byrne

“I did my Leaving Cert in the CBS in 1990. I probably overconcentrated on sport, to the neglect of studies. I wasn’t that motivated to study. I was more interested in working. I went to college as a mature student in my late 20s and got a degree that was relevant to my work at the time in a bank. 

“I wouldn’t put any pressure on anybody sitting the Leaving Cert. A lot of students don’t have a clue what they want to do and college then is nearly wasted. A lot have anxiety these days too. I’d say to them, it’s not all about the Leaving Cert, it’s not the only road to where you want to get to,” Eamon said.

Brinda Irani performing at Electric Picnic. 

Brinda Irani is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Portlaoise who is shortly releasing new music. 

"I did my Leaving Cert in Scoil Chríost Rí in 2024. It was intense, but it taught me the power of consistency, focus, and knowing when to step back and breathe. 

"My advice is: do your best, but don’t let stress control the experience. You’re allowed to rest and still succeed. Results are important, but they’re only one part of a much bigger picture. Stay in the moment, hold on to what grounds you, and trust the process. This is just one chapter — your story is only beginning. Good luck!," she said.

Read more: Laois Leaving Cert and Junior Cert numbers increase