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Community Radio Dollymount was another name for Echo Radio that broadcast from the north Dublin suburb of Dollymount in 1982. Echo Radio was run by John Thewlis, who operated various pirates from the Clontarf/Dollymount area during the 1980s. According to Offshore Echoes from December 1982, Echo began testing in May that year on 186 metres (equivalent to 1611 kHz, although this would have been beyond the range of many receivers), beginning official broadcasts in June and later adding another transmitter on 97.3 FM. Community Radio Dollymount was a short-lived festival station and just a name change for Echo Radio. Ken Baird of DX Archive logged Echo Radio on 18th July 1982 announcing a test for Community Radio Dollymount and further tests were heard the following day and again on 19th August with presumably fully programmes.
A DX Archive listing from August that year includes Echo Radio on 1600 kHz (187 metres). Shortwave News from October 1982 refers to ‘R. Echo, alias Community R. Dollymount’ and reports that it was being relayed by shortwave station Westside Radio International on 6280 kHz. According to the same source, Echo/Community Radio Dollymount closed down in October 1982.
This recording of Community Radio Dollymount was made from 2019-2149 on Saturday 28th August 1982 from 1600 kHz, announcing 188 metres. The DJs listed are Aidan Hughes and Donal Summerville and requests from listeners and adverts for local businesses are heard. Audio quality is fair to poor with variable levels and co-channel interference worsens as night falls. Cassette degradation is probably also a factor. The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection, donated to us by Paul Davidson. Thanks to Ian Biggar and Ken Baird for further information.