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The original Dublin Community Radio (DCR) had its origins in Downtown Community Radio, which was set up by long-time radio anorak Joe King in 1979 in the south Dublin suburb of Ringsend. It was renamed Dublin Community Radio after moving from a community hall to a shed behind Joe’s house and later transferred to better premises in Gardner Street in the city centre. DCR claimed to be the first community radio station in Dublin, making links with several community groups and broadcasting specialist shows. DCR broadcast on 963 kHz, announcing 312 metres, as well as FM. There is no known link with a later DCR, set up on FM only in 1984.
This airchecked recording from Christmas 1981 begins with the end of the Golden Years show presented by an unidentified DJ. He hands over to another presenter who continues the music and has various community announcements. There are scratchy sounding adverts and station liners voiced by Tony Allan (RIP), referring to DCR as ‘Dublin’s first and only community radio station’. Other identified DJs on the recording are Mike Sheridan, who makes a questionable decision to sing ‘Jingle Bells’ live on air, and Paul Caffrey.
The tape was made by Kieran Murray from 98.4 FM between 1600-2000 on 27th December 1981 and is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection. Audio quality is fair due to an aging cassette and possible issues with studio output at the time.