By Mickey Ferry
Making the shift from primary to secondary school can be a big step for many a pupil, but not many can say they are making the cross-over with a GCSE already under their belt.
Yet that is exactly what two pupils at Strabane's Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh can boast.
Both Grian Ni Dhaimhin and Shania Nic Gabhann achieved grade A* in their GSCE level Irish.
Whilst 16 year olds in the district waited on the postman on Thursday morning for their results, so did two 11 year old girls.
They spoke to the Strabane Chronicle as they attended their annual summer scheme at the school, and their last as pupils.
The duo were taking their results in their stride and are both now looking forward to making the big step into secondary school.
Shania said, "I'm really happy to get an A*. It didn't really feel weird to be doing a GCSE for us because we've been doing Irish ever since we came to the school.
"Whilst I'm going to the Loreto Convent in Omagh in September, I have enjoyed my time at Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh and I'm looking forward to coming back to visit all my teachers again," said Shania.
As for Grian, she said, "I started jumping up and down when I got my result. The postman could still see me and I think he had a bit of a laugh at my reaction.
"I loved this school and I'll be back to visit everybody too."
Grian is now off to Colaiste Ailigh in Letterkenny.
Both girls extended their thanks to tutor Colman Mhic An Chrosain, who is part of the Strabane branch of Conradh na Gaeilge.
Thanks also goes to the staff of the Gaelscoil for their support and encouragement.
Grian's mum, Rionach Ui Dhaimhin, also extended her thanks to the staff of the Naiscoil and the Gaelscoil.
She also wished to thank Colman and the other members of the local branch for their support and influence to the girls.
"We all very proud of what the kids have achieved. It's amazing to think that an 11-year-old can have a GCSE.
"Credit must go to all who played their part in getting the kids ready for GCSE Irish, that includes all the staff who looked after them firstly in the Naiscoil and then throughout their years in the Gaelscoil.
"Credit must also go to all the members of the local branch of Conradh Na Gaeilge, who were so instrumental in the pupils achieving what they did," added Rionach.
Principal of Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh, Maire Ni Dhochartaigh also extended her congratulations to both girls, adding that staff at the school are 'very proud' of them.
"We are very proud of both girls for having achieved this result in their GCSE examination. And it's great for them to progress onto secondary education already having a GCSE qualification."
She also paid tribute to former pupils who had undertaken AS level Irish at Holy Cross College. Two of the trio, aged just 14, obtained Grade C and the third a grade B. No mean achievement!
