Leaving Cert engineering: Yesterday's Leaving Cert engineering exams were applauded by teachers as the papers "challenged without surprising" the subject's 5,095 students.

"The examiners are to be congratulated for this exceptionally well- set paper," said TUI subject convener Laurence Smyth. "Whoever set it out did a great job."

Eugene O'Brien, of the Engineering and Technology Teachers' Association, agreed. "The ordinary level paper was very student-friendly, offering students an excellent choice of topics. The students were not complaining."

Mr O'Brien also found yesterday's higher paper very satisfactory as it followed the trends set in recent years and gave able students plenty of opportunity to excel. "The level of difficulty increased within each question so A and B-grade students were given a chance to shine."

He was pleased to note that the students at St Nessan's Community College in Moylish, Limerick, many of whom finished their Leaving Cert with the engineering paper, were content with their morning's work.

ASTI subject representative Kenny Donagher also noticed a Jubilant mood after yesterday's paper. "It was a very good exam, but I think the sunshine and the end of the Leaving had something to do with the positive outlook of some students."

Engineering students earn 50 per cent of their overall grade from a day-long practical exam and a project completed earlier in the year.

This year the students were charged with designing a gaming machine to pick up and deposit marbles. Last year the project involved designing an amphibious vehicle.

The students also prepared a question on wind generators that appeared on yesterday's higher and ordinary level papers.

"Having completed so much of their examinable work earlier in the year, these students were well prepared for today's exam," said Mr Donagher.