In life my Risteard Cooper

Actor Risteard Cooper recalls his school days.

Where did you go to school?

Scoil Bhride (Ranelagh) and St Michael's College (Ballsbridge)

What was your best subject?

Music or art.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

My English teacher Martin Kelly. Apart from being a great teacher, he was hugely entertaining. He used to dance and jump around the classroom while he was performing poetry. He also directed me in The Importance of Being Earnest, which was the defining moment in my school days. I'm still in touch with him.

Who was your childhood idol?

My older brother Fiachra. He was brilliant at sport, had long hair and all the girls looked at him. Although he did and still does have bandy legs.

Who was your best friend and why?

Probably Barry Mulligan, who was a year ahead of me. We went camping for the summer in France when we were 16. We had a riot of a time, and I still think some of the funniest things that have ever happened to me, came on that trip.

What is he doing now?

He is an entrepreneur living in Romania.

What TV show/film most reminds you of your school days?

Not The 9 O' Clock News.

What song most reminds you of your school days?

Rat Race by The Specials (which is still great).

What food most reminds you of your school days?

Sam Spudz Smokey Bacon Crisps.

Who did you take to your debs?

My lovely girfriend at the time, Nuria Reynolds.

Would you send your children to the same school you went to?

Yes, but as we live in Ranelagh we're searching locally as well.

What was the best thing about your education?

I think it was a friendly school. There was a good balance between sport, academic achievement and social skills. Most people I meet that went to St Michael's seem pretty happy in themselves, without being full of themselves.

What was the worst thing about your education?

Music wasn't taught as a subject, so I had to take separate music classes outside of school for the Leaving Cert. A minor quibble really.

Risteard Cooper can be seen in the DVD Chasing The Lions and is the voice of Ross O'Carroll-Kelly in the CD Ross O'Carroll-Kelly: The Twelve Days of Christmas