Leaving Cert Guidance
Episodes
My 625 Journey with @hennieonhenny
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah interviews Hennie about her experience with the Leaving Cert, discussing her journey, study strategies, and the importance of managing stress. H...
613 Student Recalls his LC Experience and Gives Tips
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Chen, who got 613 points in his LC, joins the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast and shares his experiences navigating the Leaving Cert, the pressu...
Medicine and the HPAT with Martha Harper
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah interviews Martha Harper, a medical student who gained popularity on TikTok for her content about the HPAT and her journey into...
Mastering CAO 2026 Application
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast, Sarah Ó Tuama and guidance counsellor Donnchadh discuss the Central Applications Office (CAO) p...
Navigating College Course Selection
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast, Sarah Ó Tuama and Donnchadh discuss the critical process of selecting a college course. They em...
Applying to UCAS for 2026
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah asks Donnchadh about the UCAS application and how Irish applicants can tackle it.What is UCAS, how does the application work, h...
Tertiary Degrees-The Irish Education Landscape is Changing!
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh and Sarah chat on the first Leaving Cert Guidance episode of the academic year, bout Tertiary Degrees.Donnchadh reckons the landscape of the...
Let's Rayse Our Study Game
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ray Lanigan is a high impact study skills coach and a school motivational speaker. he joins Donnchadh to discuss his study skills strategies such as...
Substance Misuse Expert on Staying Safe this Christmas
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Substance misuse expert, Sinead Carey, joins the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast to help students stay safe this Christmas. What do students who are g...
Important Upcoming Deadlines
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next few weeks there are important upcoming deadline dates. Many students will take the opportunity over the Christmas break to prepare for...
DARE/HEAR Applications 2025
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Roisin O'Donohoe is back with Donnchadh this week, this time to discuss the HEAR and DARE application processes and what students need to know an...
My Erasmus Experience
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Ava Rose Gallagher, a 4th year Commerce International student in UCC who talks about her Erasmus experience. Ava Rose talks a...
CAO 2025
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is one of our biggest podcast episodes of the year. Eileen Keleghan from the CAO joins Donnchadh to give advice for 2025 CAO applicants.They ta...
Prepping for LC Languages exams with Katie Lenehan
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Language teacher Katie Lenehan (@mslenslanguages) join Donnchadh on the pod this week to talk about preparing for languages exams for the LC.Katie and...
Effective Study Methods with GC Roisin O'Donohoe
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Guidance Counsellor Roisin O'Donohoe to talk effective study methods and how students can get the most from themselves whi...
Applying for Exemptions
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are a number of exemptions that CAO applicants can apply for. Universities might have matriculation requirements that outline an applicant mus...
HPAT: How I got 98th Percentile
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alice Byrne is in 4th year medicine in UCD. When she sat her HPAT in 2021 she scored in the 98th percentile achieving 197 points.She joins Donnchadh...
How we got 625 points!
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by two 625 points students this week. Juliet and Jessica chat about:How they structured their studyWhat study techniques worked ...
Irish applying to UCAS 2025
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Conan Meehan joins Donnchadh to chat about Irish applicants applying to UCAS in 2025. Conan has been helping ROI students apply to UCAS since 2019. ...
TikToker Ella Deasy is headed to University
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ella Deasy joins the podcast this week to talk about her meteoric rise on TikTok, advice she would give to content creators starting out, how she foun...
LC2024 Results...What you need to know.
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The LC results come out on Friday 23rd August at 10am.On this episode Donnchadh runs through what LC candidates can expect on the day and why the Cand...
January 2024-Important dates
14 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many important dates and deadlines upcoming. So, Donnchadh and guidance counsellor Joe Farrelly, chat you through the most important on...
Preparing for the Mock Exams
07 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is flying solo this week in the podcast as he gives his top tips for preparation for the mocks. Donnchadh talks aboutStudy schedulesTopics...
Making the most of your Christmas break
17 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Guidance counsellor Deborah Galbraith joined Donnchadh this week to discuss how students can make the most of their Christmas break. How can student...
HEAR/DARE applications 2024
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are a HEAR/DARE applicant for the CAO 2024 applications or you just want to find out more about these access programmes then this episode is a ...
Tertiary Degrees with NTO Ireland
03 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Dr Fiona Maloney, the Director of the National Tertiary Office, joins Donnchadh to discuss the new Tertiary degrees.Fiona tal...
Future Careers with Brian Comerford
26 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Guidance counsellor, Brian Comerford from classroomguidance.ie joins me this week to discuss what careers will be popular in the future. How can stu...
How to pick your college course.
19 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh takes a deep dive into how to pick your college course with guidance counsellor Aoife McArdle from the Institute of Education.Where can a st...
Exam Stress and Anxiety with Dr Laura Buckley
12 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Laura Buckley, joins Donnchadh to discuss dealing with exam stress and anxiety. Laura discusses the importance of stress t...
CAO 2024
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Donnchadh is joined by Eileen Keleghan from the CAO. This episode is a must from CAO 2024 applicants because Eileen outlines what ap...
Studying an Arts Degree
22 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that 55,330 CAO applicants had an arts degree on their CAO list last year?Dr John McGinnity, Guidance Counsellor at the Institute if Educ...
Studying Business at Second & Third Level
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
@the_LC_team Leaving Cert Business expert and secondary school Business teacher, Ciara Long joins Donnchadh on the podcast to chat about her experienc...
Studying Science in Second & Third Level
08 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of The Leaving Cert Guidance podcast is brought to you by The University of Galway.On today's show I am joined by Emma Ronan (@leavi...
Make the most of your Open Day
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is an Open Day and how can students make the most of their experience?Guidance Counsellor from the Institute of Education, Aoife McArdle, joins m...
HPAT with 98th Percentile Student!
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Muireann Carey is a medicine undergraduate in Trinity College. She scored over 200 in her HPAT. Muireann talks about her preparation for the HPAT, h...
Danielle McFadden-'My LC Journey'
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You might know Danielle McFadden from Instagram or Tiktok, but Danielle is a very accomplished student having gotten 613 points in her LC. Danielle ...
Applying to UCAS
10 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that almost 5,000 Irish students apply to UCAS every year?Holly Smith from The University Guys outlines the difference between the CAO an...
CAO 2023 OFFERS
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Leaving Cert results are out so students are now turning their attention to the CAO offers out Wednesday 30th August at 2pm.Donnchadh is joined by...
Leaving Cert Results 2023
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Friday 25th August at 10am.Aoife McArdle, Guidance Counsellor at the Institute of Education joins Donnchadh for this episode to chat about the upcomin...
UCC Quercus Talented Students Programme
22 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships to receive at Irish 3rd Level in the Quercus Talented Students Programme in UCC.Michele Power, Pro...
Making yourself 'Future Capable' at DCU
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Colette O Beirne from DCU tells us about the upcoming CAO Online Information Evening happening on Tuesday 17th January. Students can register at dcu...
The CAO Application
18 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are the most common mistakes on the CAO application that can prohibit applicants from an offer?Where should applicants be at this stage in the CA...
University of Limerick #STUDYATUL
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is a jam packed show with guests from the University of Limerick.Firstly Stephen Ryan gives on updates on changes to courses ...
Preparing your UCAS application with The University Guys
04 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week UCAS expert, David Hawkins from the University Guys, joins me on the podcast to discuss what Irish students need to know about the UCAS ap...
Maynooth University-Immerse, Evolve, Emerge
20 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy College Awareness Week. On this week's episode I am joined by John McGinnity, Admissions Officer at MU. John and I talk about the upcom...
IADT - Create Your Future
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The IADT Open Day happens this Saturday 19th November. Find out about the new courses starting there in 2023, portfolio requirements, project days, ...
TU Dublin-Infinite Possibilities
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lynda Young from TU Dublin joins me on today's podcast to chat about the upcoming Open Day for all TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman. Lynda also...
Study at MIC Limerick/Thurles
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Patrick Cosgrove, Student Recruitment Officer at MIC, talks education courses (potential new post primary course in Thurles), non education course...
University of Galway - Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Caroline Duggan, Student Recruitment Officer from University of Galway, and Adrian Larkin, Innovation Officer at the Business School in the University...
From PLC to Degree
18 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I am joined by Emma Coss. Emma completed her PLC in Nursing Studies in Portlaoise Institute before moving to Canterbury Christchurch...
Why I chose the apprenticeship route!
11 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode, I am joined by Luc Culliton. Originally Luc went the CAO route until he realised it wasn't for his, so he applied ...
CAO Offers 2022
04 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Leaving Cert results are out and CAO offers are coming out this Thursday.I am joined by Eileen Keleghan from the CAO (8:22) to talk about how the ...
LC Results 2022
28 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is the FIRST episode of the third season of the LCG podcast and of course as always we are starting off with the LC results.Available this week, Do...
UCC-Begin, Belong, Become
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Student Recruitment Office, Carol Veiga, and first year Arts student, Killian, join Donnchadh to discuss life at UCC. Did you know UCC had over 160 ...
Counselling and Psychotherapy at ICHAS
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Harry Dickinson, Senior Lecturer at ICHAS, joins Donnchadh to talk about the CAO undergraduate courses on offer at the college. They also discuss, f...
What's new at MU (Maynooth University)?
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Admissions Officer at Maynooth University, John McGinnity, talks us through the new courses that they are offering for Sept 2022. John also discusse...
Staying safe for Christmas
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sinead Carey joins Donnchadh this week on the Leaving Cert Guidance Podcast. Sinead is a substance misuse and drug education expert. How can young...
CAO advice from the CAO
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Eileen Keleghan from the CAO to talk about the do's and don't of the CAO application and how to avoid common mistakes...
Study Secrets with StudyClix
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Eimear and Nessa from StudyClix join Donnchadh to chat about study motivation, goals, time management, study environments, techniques, active studying...
Progression through TU Dublin
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's College Awareness Week, so who better to have on than one of Ireland's largest universities, TU Dublin. Lynda Young, Deputy Admission...
IADT-Film, Art and Creative Technologies
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rónán O'Muirthile joins Donnchadh to discuss the Faculty of Film, Art and Creative Technologies. Rónán is the head of this faculty and we d...
IT Sligo - World Exclusive!
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of LCG, Donnchadh discuss the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences with Dr. Breda McTaggart, Kate Brown and graduate Seamus Bannon....
Education at MIC plus a new course!
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh catches up with Dr. Patrick Cosgrove from Mary Immaculate College after their busy virtual open day.They discuss courses such as Education a...
Studying in University College Utrecht (Netherlands)
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Kim Zwitserloot (International Student Recruitment) and Ciara Murray (1st Year Student) join Donnchadh on this episode to talk about University Col...
Your Questions Answered (Students and Parents)
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode, Fiona asks Donnchadh the questions sent in by students and parents on Instagram for this podcast.Find out alternative routes to...
MedEntry- Dr Ann Deely (Founder)
02 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Founder of MedEntry Dr Ann Deely joins Donnchadh this week on the podcast.They talk about the HPAT exam, studying for the HPAT alongside the Leaving C...
Carlow College - Looking to the future
19 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Carlow College is building towards the future with the introduction of some brilliant courses for the CAO 2022 applicants.Orla Kerwin tells us about C...
NUI Galway - Navigating the new landscape
12 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Caroline Duggan, Student Recruitment Officer and Dr. Gavin Collins from the College of Science and Engineering in the latest LC...
Griffith College - School Initiatives and Student Opportunities
05 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Griffith College is Ireland's largest independent college in Ireland with three campuses in Dublin, Limerick and Cork offering courses in Law, Co...
Leaving Cert 2021-What next?
29 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In these uncertain times it is important for students and parents to have certainty about their options. Donnchadh and Katy Anna explore the day of ...
Consider IADT for your Change of Mind
09 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is Applied Psychology? What is the significance of a PSI accreditation?New Media Studies tackles the idea of podcasts and social media among ot...
UCC (CK101 Arts)
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Loretta Brady from UCC to talk about CK101 Arts. They discuss the benefits of an Arts degree and the Arts degree in UCC in pa...
UCD (City Planning and Environmental Policy) DN130
25 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
People, Places and Planet.Take a listen to this episode where Donnchadh is joined by Dr Paula Russell Assistant Professor on the City Planning and Env...
Will COVID-19 affect my CAO choices?
18 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have certain courses and careers been affected by COVID-19? What courses/careers are now in demand? Should my CAO application reflect these? Kat...
UCD (BSoc in Social Policy and Sociology) DN750
11 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Dr. Micheál Collins from UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice who is the programme director of the BSoc...
Top FAQs answered by two Guidance Counsellors
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Katy Anna takes over the hosting duties and puts your questions to Donnchadh and Guidance Counsellor Aoife McArdle from the Institute of Education.Hea...
NUI Galway (New Science and Law Courses)
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is Genetics and Genomics (GY321)? Dr Derek Morris from NUI Galway joins Donnchadh to discuss the ins and outs of this new course. What does thi...
IADT (Institute of Art, Design and Technology)
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of LCG Podcast Donnchadh is joined by Dr Therese Moylan, Chair of Teaching and Learning at IADT and Dr Kevin Wallace, Head of Hu...
HEAR/DARE with Brian Comerford
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With deadline dates for HEAR and DARE looming, Donnchadh and Brian Comerford discuss what each application involves, the process of the application an...
GMIT (Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology)
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There was a snow blizzard in Galway as Donnchadh recorded this podcast with Mona Wise, Student Liaison Officer at GMIT. Despite this the sound quali...
Leaving Cert 2021 Update
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh and Katy Anna chat about the latest news on LC21.
St. Angela's College, Sligo
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Sean Kelly, Student Recruitment Officer at St. Angela's Sligo. We chat about the education courses at St. Angela's,...
University of Limerick (UL)
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Stephen Ryan from University of Limerick joins me to chat about the three exciting new courses on offer from September 2021. They are (LM066) En...
Start your journey at IT Carlow
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by four faculty members from IT Carlow in this latest episode.Director of Sport Donal McNally talks sports scholarships, recent sp...
CAO Communications Officer Eileen Keleghan
20 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is straight from the horse's mouth. Everything you need to know about the CAO 2021 application is in this podcast episode. Eilee...
IT Sligo 'Learn More, Live More, Be More'
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 20!! Donnchadh is joined by Micheál Dowdican the Schools Liaison Officer for IT Sligo. They discuss what IT Sligo and Sligo Town has to of...
DCU-Five New Undergraduate Courses
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Lisa Looney, registrar at DCU joins Donnchadh to discuss the five brand new undergraduate courses on offer in DCU in September. These cour...
Leaving Cert New Year's Resolutions
03 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
New year, new me. In episode 19, Donnchadh and Katy Anna talk about New Year's Resolutions to help maximise your performance in the LC. These...
UCAS 2021
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the UCAS deadline fast approaching, Donnchadh is joined by GC Ciara Campbell to discuss the UCAS 2021 application process. In this rapid fire Q...
Stephen Byrne (2fm DJ)-My Leaving Cert Experience(s)
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
2fm radio DJ, documentary film maker and TV star, Stephen Byrne joins Donnchadh and talks about his documentary Leaving Again. Stephen returned to s...
How do drugs and alcohol affect my study?
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Sinead O' Mahony Carey, author and substance misuse expert. Sinead details drug trends among adolescents, their side eff...
Marino Institute of Education
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week Donnchadh is joined by Robbie Irwin, Student Engagement Officer for Marino Institute of Education. Robbie and Donnchadh discuss the connec...
FAQ on November Leaving Cert Exams and Studying in Utrecht, Netherlands
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 14 Donnchadh is joined by Kim and Anna from University College Utrecht. They discuss why Irish students will be attracted to study there,...
The Art of Studying with Brian Comerford
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a motivation to study? But, you are not sure how to go about the process? Donnchadh chats with Guidance Counsellor, Brian Comerford, abo...
Primary/Secondary Teaching and so much more at MIC
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you are considering a career in education this episode is a must. MIC offer a number of different courses in Primary Education and Post Primary E...
CAO2021
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In roles reversed, Donnchadh is interviewed by two sixth year students. Aoife and Lauren are studygrammers on Instagram who asked their followers fo...
Trinity College and 625 Points
18 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the 10th episode of the Leaving Cert Guidance Podcast, Donnchadh is joined by Gobnait O Shaughnessy and Deirbhle O Reilly from Trinity College Dubl...
TUD and Dr. Gene Carolan talking Law
11 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Donnchadh is joined by Lynda Young, school liaison officer for TUD. We discuss a number of courses on offer at the University and what graduate&apos...
IADT and Dr Orla McBride talking Psychology
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Epsiode 8, I chat with IADT (1:50) about the creative hub they have developed at their college. What is a degree in Entrepreneurship? What is the ...
Carlow College and The Irish Grad
27 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On Episode no7 I chat with Helen Maher, Vice President of Carlow College and their School Liaison Officer, Orla Kerwin (0:58) about their undergraduat...