An 11-year-old boy from Knocklyon, Co Dublin, has won the prestigious "BBC Junior Mastermind 2006" title.
Dómhnall Ryan, a fifth-class pupil in St Colmcille's senior national school in Knocklyon, beat five other finalists last night in a competition that was open to 10- and 11-year- olds in Ireland and Britain.
Thousands entered the quiz but only 20 made it to the televised heats of the programme which is based on the adult version and hosted by regular presenter John Humphrys.
Contestants face a two-minute quick-fire round on general knowledge and two minutes on a chosen subject.
Dómhnall's specialist subject in the final was "mammals of the African plains" on which he scored 17 points. At the half way stage he was in joint second place. He then scored 14 points on the general knowledge round after which he was tied with another contestant resulting in a play-off which he won.
Speaking after the programme last night, Dómhnall said: "Meeting the other contestants and seeing how the programme was made was really enjoyable. I was very surprised to have won."
The principal of St Colmcille's, Pádraig O'Neill, said that the whole school was proud of Dómhnall who showed that he is remarkably cool under pressure.
"I wouldn't sit in that chair for any money but it didn't seem to worry Dómhnall at all," he said.
Jimmy O'Neill, a teacher in the school who helped Dómhnall to enter for the competition, said the questions were really tough.
"The show didn't patronise the children by trying to dumb down the questions."
Mr O'Neill added: "Dómhnall is a real champion."
Asked about his ambitions, Dómhnall said that he wants to study aeronautical engineering and become a pilot.
