2 cool 4 school?

Actress/Author Pauline McLynn

Where did you go to school?

I was a pupil of the Mercy Convent, Newtownsmith, Galway for both primary and secondary level (and then on to Trinity College Dublin).

Were you cool or were you one of the nerdy kids?

Ooh, I would like to think I was cool, but I think I was, in fact, a bit nerdy - it was the 1970s don't forget, and that's my excuse.

Give us an extract of a school report ...

I always enjoyed school and got good reports, but I did have one affliction - I hated getting up early. So towards the end of my second-level days I managed to miss the first class of the day regularly, which was usually maths. It got commented on a few times but I rose above such criticism.

Who was your favourite teacher in primary school? Why?

I honestly can't remember having a favourite and they were mostly nuns (who wore habits) so they kind of blended into one at the time. A lay teacher called Colette Heaney taught in the school and also taught me elocution lessons afterwards and she had an impact.

How about secondary school? Anyone who you liked/inspired you?

They all played a part, really, and I hate to single any out. It's lovely to go back from time to time and see whoever is left. Michael Cuffe, who became headmaster, thanked me once for always being so positive about my school years, but it's no trouble as I did like school and had a good time.

Sr Ailbhe was a legend in Galway. She taught me Latin and wrote some plays, which I was in while at the school, and then became drama critic for the Galway Advertiser. She was super and a little powerhouse of enthusiasm and creativity. Miss Dore was a wonderful teacher and I will always thank her for instilling in me a love of Irish and getting me my honour in Latin, which used to count instead of maths in my day (see above re late starts). I wouldn't have been taken at TCD without that Latin honour.

What was the first music album you bought?

Gilbert O'Sullivan - the one with Nothing Rhymedand Matrimonyon it.

What's on your iPod now?

Shocking as this may be, I don't have an iPod, so I am obviously still a nerd, or is it the opposite?

Who was your first crush?

I was a bit devoted to Charlton Heston and Sidney Poitier.

Who would play you in a movie of your younger days?

I have no idea, but probably an actress rather than an actor?

What did you study in college?

Modern English and history of art, which I majored in.

Regrets? Have you had a few?

I wish I had given the maths a better go, especially as Mr Gallagher went out of his way after school to give me lessons.

Pauline McLynn's novel Bright Lights and Promises is out now in paperback and she is currently on a national tour with Rough Magic's production of The Taming Of The Shrew.