If the nation did not know about Riversdale Community College before the 17th March 1998 it certainly woke up to us on St. Patricks Day. As a result of the achievements of our Concert Band the "Today with Pat Kenny" show felt that we would be the ideal people to close their St. Patricks Day Special. This meant that the Concert Band, Mr. Scarlett, Mr. Murphy and myself were invited out to R.T.E..
As you can imagine, there was a lot of bustle and excitement. The band got to play in Studio One and was given V.I.P. treatment. While, for many, playing their music was the important thing, for others it was spotting the celebrities. OTT members listened to our band and then mingled with them in the R.T.E. canteen. Autographs were given and photographic evidence taking. In fact, some members of our band were asked for their autograph - names will not be mentioned!
During the programme itself, it fell to the Riversdale Concert Band to close the show and we were given a staggering eleven minutes of air-time. Pat Kenny interviewed Mr. Scarlett, who told the history of the band and its future plans. Pat Kenny was extremely impressed and he then interviewed some band members, all of whom spoke very well and entertainingly. The end result was that we were represented in a very professional and fine manner. Anyone who heard the programme could not have doubted that we are a very progressive and determined college. It doesn't end there: watch this space.
-MR. M. STANLEY