Jackal tells P7 pupils results 'not the end of the world'
Carl Frampton shares special message on transfer test results day
Last updated 26th Jan 2019
Belfast boxing legend Carl Frampton shared an encouraging message for P7 pupils across Northern Ireland receiving transfer test results on Saturday.
The Jackal was speaking at an event at Abbey Community College in Monkstown on Friday, to mark International Day of Education.
Local children and parents heard from the former two weight World Champion about his experience of growing up in Tiger's Bay and his own education.
Thousands of P7 pupils sat exams last November to determine their next steps into post primary education.
On Saturday the anxious wait ends as they find out their scores.
Speaking to Downtown Cool FM, Frampton said a positive mental attitude is more important than their results:
"I think I got a C2 on my transfer test, can you still get that now?
"It was one above a D, I was just happy that I didn't get a D but listen it doesn't matter."
He went on to share his school results and reflected on his own education:
"As I went into high school, the results I got at GCSE level weren't brilliant but a bit of focus and determination into my job as a boxer and I've earned a good living out of it and I've been very successful.
"So results aren't the end of the world if they aren't great."
The Jackal heard from pupils and young people from the Rathcoole and Monkstown areas and how a network of parents, schools, statutory, voluntary and community organisations, are all working together to enable local children and young people to thrive at home and in school.
Frampton said: "The work that THRIVE does is vital to the area.
"When young people from Northern Ireland realise there are people working to help improve their lives, that someone is on your side, it is a very powerful thing.
"That was certainly my experience when I was growing up and I am convinced it has helped me be the success I am today."
Speaking about learning, the Belfast man told Downtown Cool FM he will be encouraging his own children Carla and Rossa to work hard at school and stressing the importance of a good education at home:
"Education is something, personally I think I could've done a bit more if I'd tried a little bit harder.
"It's something that...annoys me a bit about my results and stuff.
"I've been one of the lucky ones who've been able to get a career and not really having a brilliant education behind me but there are very few people like me that are lucky enough to do that.
"I'll be making sure my kids are very well educated."