Leaving Cert Irish Reaction: Paper 1 gave everyone a chance to represent their level of Irish

Here is reaction to the 2025 Leaving Certificate Irish Paper 1 (Higher Level) by Nuala Uí Cheallaigh, Irish teacher at The Institute of Education - this content is part of the Leaving Cert Analysis series.
Don't forget to rest and relax too - here are some tips on nutrition, sleep and minding yourself.
Download the exam papers here - sound files available at examinations.ie
Leaving Cert Irish Paper 1 (H)
Leaving Cert Irish Paper 1 (O)
She says: "This paper gave everyone a chance to represent their level of Irish without additional twists or turns." Read more below and watch her video above.
Key points
The aural had familiar topics and questions.
Broad aiste titles allowed students the scope to adapt their material to fit.
Nuala says: "Students facing the first Irish paper will be happy to find something for everyone on the paper. Settling into the aural, students were met with familiar topics like school and TV – things they would have prepared for their oral. As result they will find themselves with a good grasp of the material discussed and capable of discerning the appropriate answers. Those who had practiced previous aural exams will recognise the key questions of "who", "who", "when" and so their ear will be nicely attuned to those details. However, some might have been challenged by the appearance of the Deposit Return Scheme, potentially unfamiliar vocabulary. But those moments of pause are just part a tapestry of marks that students should find quite fair.
"Turning to the essays, a wide range of viable choices mean that everyone will have a chance to reflect their work and skill on the page. While some might have anticipated specific topics like education or the Irish Language today, there were ample opportunities to bring these under the other titles. Prompts like "is Ireland a good country to live in today", "people I have respect for" and "big stories nowadays" are brilliantly broad. Students can draw upon so many topics and areas of interest that they will really feel the benefit of their preparation work. Furthermore, the examiner will be able to assess them on their communication skills first and foremost rather than a fixed set of vocabulary.
"The two more specific aiste topics fell in line with expectations: Politics around the world and the Environment. The latter may have caused some to pause if they did not recognise the term "comhshaol" (environment). But those who prepared environmentalist material could have repurposed it to fit the broader topics with ease. Students looking to distinguish themselves often avoid the scéal, choosing either the aiste or debates. The prompt on the pros and cons of AI will appeal to those who have put special care and attention into this very contemporary topic.
"This paper gave everyone a chance to represent their level of Irish without additional twists or turns. The better students would have the chance to shine, while those who were anxious about topics will have somewhere to present their work."

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