Smells like teen spirit at Dundrum

THE AIR outside Dundrum Town Centre was infused with the scent of aftershave, the glow of fake tan and the excitement of teenage energy last night as groups of Junior Cert students met for the under-18 event at Parker Brown's nightclub.

Dressed up in their best shirts and dresses, the south Dublin students had been well-versed in how to behave.

"The principal gave a big speech," said 16-year-old Aaron Kennedy from Terenure College. "She warned us to be very safe and responsible," said his classmate Simon Kennedy (16). "Half the year will be out here," their friend Chris Corcoran said.

Despite being due in class first thing this morning, the boys admitted that some people from their class would try to go into the alcohol-free event drunk and that there would be "sessions all over the place" later.

Girls from Wesley College arrived at the venue already somewhat exhausted. "We had to climb up Three Rock with our class in the rain today to bond with classmates," explained Rebecca Roche (14). She was out with friends Katy Rae (15), Mikaela Woods (15) and Carla White (15). They said they were threatened with suspension if they did not turn up for school at 9am this morning.

A group of fifth-year students from St Mary's College in Rathmines were happy enough with their results, but said they did not really matter. "We'll forget about them after a week," said Gerard O'Reilly (16). "We're too cool for results," Paul O'Brien (15) joked.

With tight security at Dundrum Town Centre, there was no evidence yet of wild underage drinking.

However, a lot of the students said there would be "free gaffs" and parties after the club ended.