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`Miracle student' recovers from head injury to score top marks

Odhrán McKenna (right) with his father Michael, brother CJ and mother Sonia
Odhrán McKenna (right) with his father Michael, brother CJ and mother Sonia Odhrán McKenna (right) with his father Michael, brother CJ and mother Sonia

A `MIRACLE student' who suffered a serious head injury has achieved top AS-level grades.

Odhrán McKenna (17), who plays both football and hurling for St John's in west Belfast, was involved in a one-vehicle collision in February in Crumlin.

His family said he was "fighting his biggest battle ever" in hospital. He later recovered and returned to school to sit his exams.

Yesterday, Odhrán and his brother CJ both received their AS results at St Mary's Christian Brothers Grammar School in Belfast.

The school said their success was the result of the twins' dogged determination and hard work over the past six months.

Odhran scored ABC while CJ attained an A and two Bs.

"Everyone in St Mary's is absolutely delighted with Odhran's AS results," said principal John Martin.

"Odhran has demonstrated great strength of character to bounce back from such a serious injury in February and within a few short months attain such tremendous academic success. Odhran has been supported every step of the way by his twin brother CJ who also enjoyed great success in his exams, and we are confident that both boys will reach even greater heights in their final year in school."

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