The three secondary schools in Fermoy were among 720 schools across the country to close on Tuesday, in protest over proposed changes to the Junior Certificate. The one-day strike was organised by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers' Union of Ireland, with around 27,000 teachers engaging in the action.

Unions have said they are resolute in their opposition to plans for Junior Cycle reform, which would see teachers correct 40% of their students exam work, as opposed to an anonymous external examiner.

Teachers at Loreto Secondary School, St Colman's College and Coláiste an Chraoibhín marched outside their respetive schools in protest, carrying placards demonstrating their opposition to the proposed reforms.

A statement released by St Colman's College explained their reasons for engaging in the strike: "This strike is about teachers tyring to protect standards and equity in Irish second-level education. In order to maintain the integrity of our State certificate, we believe all State exams, whether written or practical, should be externally assessed.

"The assessment of our current Junior Certificate examinations espouses three basic but vital principles of anonymity, equality and fairness for all Irish second level students. The framework for Junior Cycle proposals threaten education standards and the objectivity and transparency of the curren Junior Cert examinations.

"As it stands, student's work is already being assessed continuously by their teachers but the final grade is decided by an impartial examiner. Every student is entitled to a fair, impartial and transparent Junior Cycle examinations system".

Joining the teachers marching outside Coláiste an Chraoibhín was Colm Kelly, the Assistant General Secretary of the Teacher's Union of Ireland. Teachers at each of the three schools remarked on the support given by passing pedestrians and motorists - Loreto Secondary School for example received complimentary supplies from the public.

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