Eamon Dunphy

Current job: Journalist, writer, broadcaster.

What schools did you attend? St Patrick's National School in Drumcondra, Dublin. I only attended one year of secondary school.

Had you any famous classmates? No, but Bertie Ahern and PJ Mara also went to St Patrick's.

Hidden talents at school? I was always very diligent, second only to some rocket scientist who always came top in my class.

Best subject? Maths.

Worst subject? Geometry.

Most inspirational teacher and why? Mr Hayden from Leitrim, a kind and sympathetic man.

Did you go to college? No. It was fee-paying then, and we didn't have the fees.

What's the best thing about the Irish education system? The National School system.

What's the worst thing? The secondary school system, which fails students and forces them into grind schools which provide a better service

What song most reminds you of your school days? Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets.