How to implement a rich:datatable that shows popup with msg “Sorting in progress” when sort column (Header Column) is clicked?

[arun_mrk]

I'm new to JSF and Richfaces...

Our web application uses JSF 1.2 and Richfaces 3.1.  We have a problem when the user does multiple click on the rich:datatable header to sort (before the results are back, the user end up clicking multiple time). To avoid this, i want to show a modal panel and hide when sorting is complete

I have a rich:datatable something like this

<rich:column id="lotno" sortBy="#{tableData.lots.id}">

    <f:facet name="header">

        <h:outputText value="Lot#" />

    </f:facet>

    <h:outputText value="#{tableData.lots.id}" />

</rich:column>

On Click of LOT# Header Column, I want to show a modal panel with message "Sorting is in progress plz wait..."  and once sorting is done, I want to hide the modal panel.

Can you please tell how to implement this i.e what event should i use to call "Richfaces.hideModalPanel("pleasewaitpanel");" and Richfaces.showModalPanel("pleasewaitpanel");

OR

Can this be done using A4J:Status..?   Code example with a4j:status will be of great help!!