TOP GRADES FOR OMAGH VICTIM
Top grades for Omagh victim
By Martin Anderson
ONE of the most inspirational victims of the Omagh bomb has once again proved her determination to overcome the tragedy by achieving top grades in her GCSE exams.
Claire Gallagher, blinded in the Real IRA bomb attack last August, got an A*, A and four B's in her GCSEs despite having to complete the final year of her studies without the benefit of sight.
She was awarded the A* in Irish, A in English literature and Bs in RE, music, English language and mathematics. She now plans to do three A-levels and continue working towards her ultimate aim of a career in music.
The next hurdle on that path is an interview with the principal of Loreto Grammar School, Colm O'Neill, where she hopes to return next month to study for A-levels in music, RE, and sociology.
But early indications suggest that will not be a big problem. Mr O'Neill has already applauded her determination and hard work to achieve such "excellent" results.
He said: The excellent grades she has achieved in all her subjects are the result of her determination and hard work.
"She has been an inspiration to everyone in the school and I would like to pay tribute to her classroom teachers, classroom assistant, peripatetic teacher and her fellow pupils and all those who gave the school so much help and support."
The brave teenager said she was delighted with the results but could hardly believe it when she first got them.
To study for and sit her exams, Claire had to learn touch typing and was able to type answers to most of her exam questions unaided. For maths she spoke her answers to an education adviser who wrote them down.
Practical realities meant that Claire had to drop GCSEs in double award science, and geography because she was unable to do things like read maps or carry out experiments.
By Martin Anderson
ONE of the most inspirational victims of the Omagh bomb has once again proved her determination to overcome the tragedy by achieving top grades in her GCSE exams.
Claire Gallagher, blinded in the Real IRA bomb attack last August, got an A*, A and four B's in her GCSEs despite having to complete the final year of her studies without the benefit of sight.
She was awarded the A* in Irish, A in English literature and Bs in RE, music, English language and mathematics. She now plans to do three A-levels and continue working towards her ultimate aim of a career in music.
The next hurdle on that path is an interview with the principal of Loreto Grammar School, Colm O'Neill, where she hopes to return next month to study for A-levels in music, RE, and sociology.
But early indications suggest that will not be a big problem. Mr O'Neill has already applauded her determination and hard work to achieve such "excellent" results.
He said: The excellent grades she has achieved in all her subjects are the result of her determination and hard work.
"She has been an inspiration to everyone in the school and I would like to pay tribute to her classroom teachers, classroom assistant, peripatetic teacher and her fellow pupils and all those who gave the school so much help and support."
The brave teenager said she was delighted with the results but could hardly believe it when she first got them.
To study for and sit her exams, Claire had to learn touch typing and was able to type answers to most of her exam questions unaided. For maths she spoke her answers to an education adviser who wrote them down.
Practical realities meant that Claire had to drop GCSEs in double award science, and geography because she was unable to do things like read maps or carry out experiments.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0323
Published Date: 20-Aug-99
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