Entrepreneur Brody Sweeneytells it how it was

Where did you go to school?

I went to Willow Park, Blackrock for primary school. I had to leave Blackrock College in fifth year under dubious circumstances so I did sixth year in Rockwell.

Were you cool or were you one of the nerdy kids?

I wasn't cool but I definitely wasn't nerdy. I did very little work and I was pretty anti-authoritarian but I had sticky-out ears and buck teeth. No girls would come near me!

Give us an extract of a school report

"Brody is very intelligent but doesn't apply himself. His deportment is in need of improvement."

Who was your favourite teacher in primary school?

Ms Curtin. I think I had her in Junior Infants or something like that. We staged an all-out strike in second class because we wanted to keep her on as our teacher. I couldn't even tell you what she looked like though. I just don't remember.

How about secondary school? Anyone who you liked/ inspired you? Why?

Not really. I couldn't think of anyone.

Did you have a nickname?

Brody is actually a nickname. My name is Francis but my parents always called me Brody. I didn't have any other nicknames in school though.

What was the first music album you bought?

I can't really remember. Probably Neil Young's Harvest Moon. I was a huge Neil Young fan.

What's on your iPod now?

I don't have one - can't work the things. I have a CD player in the car though. I generally play Queen and Puccini on that.

What posters did you have on your bedroom walls?

I had one of a Porsche 911.

Who would play you in a movie of your younger days?

Probably that grumpy northern fella who always plays parts in Neil Jordan films? Stephen Rea, that's right.

Who was your first crush?

My cousin Mandy. It wasn't a crush, it was love. We were going to get special dispensation from the Pope and get married. She ended up marrying someone else in the end.

What did you study in college?

I went to what's now DCU to study Business Studies. I dropped out in second year.

Regrets? Have you had a few?

I regret that I didn't finish college. It's a great opportunity to grow up, rail against society, fall in love . . . I'm sorry I didn't stay and go through all that.

Brody Sweeney is the founder of O'Brien's Sandwich Bars