I never planned to become AN ACTOR

Brenda Fricker reflects on her first day at school as a little girl who was full of hope and optimism

- ELLA DOVE

My family lived in Churchtown, Dublin, and I was three years old when this photo was taken. It was my first day of kindergarten, and I was excited about this new chapter of my young life. I had a dress made for the occasion - all my clothes were handmade by our lovely neighbour, Mrs Lynam. My mother Bina did my hair every day, using rags to create ringlets and making sure my bows always matched my dress. I got a lot of attention for my hair - I was a golden-haired, blue-eyed little doll.

My mother told me the education I would receive was a new form of teaching called 'Montessori'. I had no idea what that meant, but I loved the exotic sound of the word. For my mother, education was hugely important. She had been a graduate at a time when most women didn't go to university, and went on to become a languages teacher. She was determined to give myself and my sister, Gránia, the best start in life. Gránia was five years older and I looked up to her. By this stage, she was in a more senior school and already wearing a uniform. We were very close. She helped me with my homework, especially spelling.