Who's who? The secret life of the school gate drop-off and pick-up

Welcome back, comrades 

School gate life

Almost a decade ago, I crouched next to the school gate, full face of make-up, wearing the new outfit I’d laid out the night before (yes, even earrings). I smoothed my small daughter’s golden hair and told her she’d be amazing.

This was the first time I’d experienced #SchoolGateLife. Now, as that same little face scowls at me as she harumphs her way into secondary school, I hastily hide behind bushes as I drop my last remaining primary school child off at those same large black iron gates. I dodge, barely dressed, past the shiny new Junior Infant parents with their ironed jeans, blowdries and well-considered, post-8am jewellery.