On the morning of the show, the Transition Year girls and Marian girls travelled to the RTE studio, in Donnybrook, to rehearse. We were excited, but very few of the girls were nervous. We arrived at the studio and met the teachers at the entrance. We were brought into the ‘green room’ (a waiting area for guests on the show) and met other young people who were performing on the show. There was a group of young hip-hop dancers, called the Hudrats, and Reima, one of the primary school girls, asked them to show us their routine. They duly obliged, and we were astonished at their skill.

We began to put on our make-up and get dressed. The realization of what we were going to do began to sink in, and some of us began to feel nervous. I couldn’t believe we were one of the chosen few! I remembered when Ms. O’Rourke told us that she was putting us forward for the auditions. We didn’t believe that we would get through, as we all knew the competition would be very stiff, but now we were here – I felt like pinching myself.

A lady told us to go to the studio and wait there for a while. We saw the studio and couldn’t believe how small it was: it looks so much bigger on the television screen. We watched the hip-hop dancers perform and the cameramen trying to capture their movements. We also took pictures of the studio and Pat Kenny. Finally, it was our turn to rehearse. The lights were really bright. We had to stand in the middle of the floor, surrounded by television monitors. It was difficult not to peek while we were rehearsing, but we tried to restrain ourselves.

We went to Dundrum Shopping Centre afterwards and the teachers allowed us to go and eat by ourselves. Most of us went to Eddie Rockets. We were starving. After a tasty meal and a long chat, we wandered around the shopping centre to do some window-shopping. Later, Ms. O’Rourke kindly paid for our cinema tickets to watch ‘Four Christmas’. The film was okay, but what I enjoyed most, was just sitting down and relaxing after a long day.

Afterwards, we went to Mrs. Broderick’s house. She spoiled us with delicious food. As it came near the time to leave, we became more and more nervous. We really wanted to perform well for ourselves and for our school.

We arrived at the studio and met members of the McFly band. A lot of girls were eager to get photographs with the group. Eventually, we were brought to the ‘green room’ and met all the other participants there. We watched the show on the television monitors. At half ten, we were told to wait outside the door of the studio. Mrs. Owens applied red lipstick repeatedly to Shauna, who was Rudolph. I was nervous, but luckily everyone thought I was very calm.

We were brought in to the studio and waited behind the curtains. Everyone was trying to calm each other down. We were told to enter the studio quietly but quickly. We stood on the platforms and saw the audience. Pat Kenny was talking about a game. My heart was beating so fast. I kept thinking, ‘Don’t mess up”. The cameras were now pointing at us and Donna began speaking. I had to keep smiling until the music began playing. We performed the song, with signs. I kept repeating to myself, ‘Please make me look okay, and don’t let me forget the signs.’ We finished the song, and were brought outside. I couldn’t believe it was over, but I really enjoyed the experience. When we entered the “Green room”, everyone cheered and applauded us. We felt proud of ourselves and giddy with excitement.

We stayed in the room, watching the rest of the show. We heard that the presenters of a popular television programme, Top Gear, were about to go on. We waited for them to come out of the studio. When they finally came out, I just stood there with my camera, not taking any pictures as I was in shock. Eventually, I managed to take one picture, but unfortunately, it was blurred. I couldn’t ask them for an autograph as I just froze and then they were gone. Luckily, one of the other girls took good photographs of them and forwarded them to me.

This was one of the best days of my life. I had no school, went shopping, watched a movie, meet celebrities, and appeared on television - all in one day!

Nora Duggan, with the assistance of Lydia Mendes TYB