Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Independent Radio Mayo (IRM) was launched in Castlebar in mid-1987 on 738 kHz AM, using the old Radio Leinster transmitter from Dublin, which gave it a good range across the region. It also broadcast on 99 MHz FM and later on 95.7 and 101.6. One of those involved was Gerry Delaney who had founded Mayo’s first pirate station, Atlantic Radio, in 1978. According to Magic and Madness, a history of Midwest Radio written by James Laffey: ‘IRM was mainly targeted at a younger audience and its playlist was not dissimilar to RTÉ Radio 2 but it also had a strong local feel to it and was a credible rival to Midwest’. IRM also drew the attention of the national media when Sharon Flynn, daughter of the Minister for the Environment Pádraig Flynn, began presenting an Irish language programme on the station.
This recording from 99 FM is of the late Tommy Murphy from 1115-1200 on 4th February 1988. The music is country and Irish and plenty of requests and ads from all over the county are heard. There’s also a phone-in quiz and an interview with a listener organising a charity event in Ballina. Tommy went on to work at the licensed Midwest Radio and died in 2012. News at midday is read by Chris Clesham, who went on to work in RTÉ.
We thank John Breslin for his donation of this recording.