A small school in Co Roscommon has opened up a whole new world for education by hosting the country's first "virtual class", where pupils are taught traditional Irish music over the internet.
Children at the three-teacher Athleague National School gather in front of their school's webcam while their teacher tutors them from 25 miles away.
The wonders of wireless broadband technology have allowed the school to steal a march on schools in major urban centres.
The concept is the brainchild of traditional Irish music teacher James Donohoe. It has been warmly welcomed by the pupils.
"It is just like a normal class. Basically, it means James can see and hear the pupils playing the music here in the classroom, while he is sitting at home. And they can see him," said principal Mr Brian McGovern.
"James can ask any child to play a certain piece, or he can offer advice. The quality of visual and audio communication is excellent. It has the children's total attention."
Mr McGovern believes the breakthrough could solve the problem of providing specialist education in areas like music, foreign languages, and arts and crafts.
"This is a pilot project, but it could have huge benefits for education in the country. For example, you could offer foreign language teaching in primary school without having to put foreign language teachers into every school. It could be done over the internet."
A special website, www.feadogonline.com, has been constructed to help teachers make use of the resource.
Mr Donohoe said "ultimately, this is a resource to help teachers to teach the tin whistle".
He has been working on the project with Athlone Education Centre, Apple computers, Roscommon Traditional Arts Forum, Feadóg tin whistles, FÁS, Midland Sound Equipment and Last Mile Wireless.
"The wireless broadband technology was a key link in the chain, in that it allows areas away from the major towns to get broadband," said Mr Cyril Moriarty of Last Mile Wireless, which are involved in a number of wireless broadband schemes in rural areas.