Posted on by John Walsh

Late night on Radio Leinster

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Late night on Radio Leinster
Radio Leinster sticker (courtesy Svenn Martinsen).

Radio Leinster was an easy-listening and talk-based station broadcasting to the Dublin area in the early 1980s. It launched on 29th April 1981 and closed suddenly on 19th May 1983 following the raids on the main Dublin stations Radio Nova and Sunshine Radio. This recording of Late Night Leinster was made about a week before the station left the airwaves and features the managing director Justin James presenting laid-back music. There are few adverts reflecting the time of night and Justin announces that Radio Leinster will close down for the night at 0200.

Late night on Radio Leinster
Original cassette label from Anoraks Ireland Collection.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland collection and was made from 93 FM on Wednesday 11th May 1983 from 0037 to 0146. Radio Leinster also broadcast on 738 kHz AM, announcing 406 metres medium wave. Its elevated site in Sandyford overlooking the city and professional transmitter gave it good coverage by day but the station suffered co-channel interference after dark.