This year's Leaving Certificate students have been collecting their examination results from schools around the country.
There were just over 57,000 candidates, 2% fewer than last year.
The results were available online at www.examinations.ie from midday, and by telephone at 1530-71-92-90 in the Republic, or 00-353-1-2589001 from abroad.
This year's figures show record outcomes for some students, but concern has been expressed at continuing high failure rates in maths. IBEC says this trend represents a crisis.
A small number of students received extraordinary results.
Three students from Co Cork got 9 A1s which is the first time anyone has achieved such a result.
Peter Barrett, 18, from Frankfield, Grange, in Cork city, studied at Presentation Brothers College on the Western Road.
The second student is Susan Spillane, also 18, from Rochestown. She attended St Angela's College on St Patrick's Hill.
The third student is Laura Hurley, from Bishopstown, from Mount Mercy College.
Nine other students received 8 A1s.
