THE Republic of Ireland U23 side lost their opening game of the International Challenge Trophy when they went down to England in front of a crowd of 1,570 at the RSC last night to all but end their chances of progressing in the competition.

Republic of Ireland U23 1 England 2 U23

We’ve had plenty of films about inspirational teachers working miracles with their unlikely pupils that we can only welcome this funny – and surprisingly good – parody in which the pupils inspire their hopeless teacher.

One that doesn’t torment the grey cells but one that will appeal to pre-teen girls since Nancy (Roberts) is a spunky detective who isn’t afraid to investigate strange things in the house she and dad (Donovan) have just moved into.

In a truly pointless film, a re-make of one made at the end of the l970s (and a not-very-good one), Douglas and Brooks go through the motions as the fathers of approaching knot-tying children.