Gosh it doesn’t seem like just under eight years ago since I wrote a piece here ahead of Patrick’s first day in primary school.

The other evening I attended an introduction meeting for parents in his new secondary school where he will start next September. Yep, time flies doesn’t it.

He is the eldest pupil in St Brigid’s National School in Castleknock and when he leaves in June, it will be the last connection I will have with the school where I started in first class way back in 1979.

A portrait of the actor Colin Farrell, who was in the same class as my younger brother Kenneth, hangs in the corridor alongside some other past pupils who went on to excel in sport and other areas. I remember ‘Farreller’ being a very polite boy with a Castleknock accent often calling to our house.

I suppose it would be nice to maintain a connection with the school, even by way of my photo being hung beside far more worthy people than yours truly

Last week, Patrick told the principal Mr Courtney that he wanted to see a photo of me, his Dad, hung on that wall before he leaves 6th class in June. I laughed with embarrassment when he told me. That is Patrick for you, he doesn’t mince his words and he has learned to be forthright in his eight years of primary school.

I suppose it would be nice to maintain a connection with the school, even by way of my photo being hung beside far more worthy people than yours truly.

I haven’t had a phone call from Mr Courtney yet asking me if I have any snaps lying around! Working on the radio is probably not such the glamorous role it once was to merit such an honour.

That said, I was given the prestigious past pupil of the year award by my secondary school O’Connell’s a while back. High Court judge and former pupil Peter Kelly was among those in attendance at the past pupils union dinner.

I have to say it is a great honour to have been given this accolade from such a famous school, founded by Daniel O’Connell, steeped in tradition with many very famous scholars.

We give young people a hard time but they are under savage pressure

Patrick’s new principal at Castleknock Community College addressed us parents at the introductory meeting and when I left I have to say I was really impressed. It is amazing how much things have changed from my day going to O’Connell’s CBS. Patrick will be among the first tranche to experience the revamped junior cycle in Castleknock College and it really looks like a very sensible and exciting syllabus.

Challenges

The challenges which face our children now are huge, definitely more so than when I was starting secondary school back in 1985. Yes, we had our challenges too but things I discuss now with Patrick, my father wouldn’t have dared discuss with me back then.

We give young people a hard time but they are under savage pressure. Thankfully from what I heard at the introductory night, schools and teachers realise this and the ethos of inclusivity, support and dialogue with pupils is very reassuring.

Anyway, next September marks another milestone in life seeing your youngest begin secondary school. The following June, our daughter Deirbhile does her Leaving Cert. Talk about feeling old!

Red to the bone

I got a bit of stick when I suggested on his appointment that José Mourinho was not a Manchester United man. Soon after, I actually stopped watching my childhood team play. That love has returned under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

He wears the Manchester United colours and understands the United way. That may sound really arrogant but only Manchester United fans will appreciate what I say. Early days, yes. But OGS has, so far, rekindled the love which Mourinho expunged.