'It's sad and shocking that Gerry Ryan died at such a young age'

TY TALK/Rice College, Westport, Co MayoSean McGarry (16), Frank O'Malley (16), Keith Geraghty (16), Paul Meehan (16), Colin Mulcrone (17), Darren McLoughlin (16), Michael O'Malley (16)

ON BANKING

Sean McGarry: “We’re involved with the AIB Build a Bank challenge. It’s a bank set up in the school, run by students for students. But in the past year, AIB and the other banks have proven useless. The banks are not very good role models, so we’ve had to take our own approach.”

ON GERRY RYAN

Frank O’Malley: “I never listened much to Gerry Ryan but he seemed like a man who spoke his mind and that was what I liked: he didn’t give a damn what people thought of him. It’s sad and shocking that he died at such a young age of a heart attack, particularly considering he was involved in Operation Transformation, a show about improving people’s health.”

ON SAILING

Keith Geraghty: “Sailing has a reputation as an elite sport, but it’s becoming more available to everyone. It’s a great way to keep fit and experience the beautiful Mayo coast. Our school team has done quite well in recent competitions, which is a big achievement considering our size.”

ON ‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’

Colin Mulcrone: “Our school and the local girls’ school joined forces this year to put on a production of High School Musical. It was a brilliant experience and we and a great opportunity for two schools to work together. We learned so much from it.”

ON XBOX

Paul Meehan: “Playing computer games used to be an anti-social activity, but now there is a community within gaming. With Xbox 360 Live, you can talk online with friends, and even watch films or sport on a ‘virtual couch’ with your friends. Of course, some people can become obsessed with it and it stops them socialising face-to-face, but as long as it’s only occasional it’s not harmful.”

ON GAA

Darren McLoughlin: “There’s growing speculation that GAA players may get paid. It should stay as an amateur sport, keeping the focus on the pride and passion of playing for your county. Teams have gone unpaid for years and I think it has worked well – why does it need to change?”

ON TRANSITION YEAR

Michael O’Malley: “Transition Year gives students the time to have a look outside school and see what interests them. I’ve been going to the gym and getting involved in the committee of a local youth cafe. TY offers a chance to discover new interests both inside and outside school.”