Munster Express Online

The latch on the front door rattling ominously into position put their nerve ends on edge as resolve and accumulated courage evaporated considerably as they stood trembling in the gloomy hallway, a year’s supply of copy books stocked on the window ledge blocked out the sunlight.  To all intents and purposes they were now incarcerated in a deep dungoen with their sole avenue of retreat now cut off.  Many pairs of eyes peered upwards as a cupboard door closed on the landing and footsteps reverberated on the ancient steel lined stairway.  Sharp intakes of breath were audible as the swishing sound of a cassock assailed the eardrums.  They collectively froze on the spot as they caught their first glimpse of the ultimate deterrent, the handle of a guaranteed Irish leather protruding from a pocket.  Relief arose to some degree as they observed the smiling face of the owner and they received a cordial welcome to their new seat of learning.  The not so eagerly anticipated moment of truth arrived as the well worm brass door knob turned sluggishly as if in protest after a long respite and they were ushered into the first class base.