Have you seen this?
Today, students across the country began the first of many Leaving Cert examinations, with the topic trending on Twitter from the early hours of this morning.
One company who was also tweeting about the state exams was Ryanair, but not everyone was happy with the message of their post.
“To all Leaving Cert and A Level students: Plan your dream summer holiday now so you have something to look forward to,” read there post.
However, it was the imagery that sparked anger among some followers.
“Book [your flight] in between ‘studying’ tonight and this could be you,” the airline wrote alongside a picture of a man laying on the beach next to an empty bottle.
To all #LeavingCert and #ALevel students: plan your dream summer holiday now so you have something to look forward to ?
Book on https://t.co/LTBSLn5QzB in between “studying” tonight. This could be you: pic.twitter.com/EfRI465rIW
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) June 6, 2018
While the Leaving Cert holiday is a rite of passage for many, the tone of the post didn’t go down well with everyone, with many sharing their annoyance online.
“This is dreadful! How many people passed this? Ridiculous,” wrote one follower.
“This is a terrible advert. So irresponsible,” wrote another.
The issue was discussed on Dr Ciara Kelly’s Newstalk show today and many shared their same sentiments.
Take a look at this.@ciarakellydoc wants to know what you make of Ryanair’s new ad. pic.twitter.com/Zrjn17LWKG
— Lunchtime Live (@LunchtimeLiveNT) June 6, 2018
“Shame on them. I know a lot of kids that don’t do this and yet that’s the brush they are all tarred with,” said one listener.
However, the ad was defended by others who said this was done to shock and get people talking about something that many have experienced.
“Now that’s how you make the headlines and get free advertising,” wrote one person on Twitter.
