Dr Don (left) after the raid on ARD in 1978 (photo Irish Press).
Don Moore (Dr Don) was one of the pioneers of early pirate radio in Ireland, and developed Alternative Radio Dublin (ARD) into a credible and professional station in an increasingly competitive market at the end of the 1970s. This recording is of Dr Don in the lunchtime slot on ARD, featuring his usual zany and fast-paced style. There’s a listeners’ postal quiz to win cinema tickets and new headlines at half past the hour.
The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 1151 kHz, announcing 257 metres, between 1304-1334 sometime in 1978.
In January 1978, Radio Dublin began a full daytime schedule, a change that shook up the Dublin radio scene and ushered in a new era of increased competition and rising standards. This recording was made around lunchtime and features DJ Sylvia with good tunes, an album of the week feature and live-read adverts. The iconic 253 jingle is aired a few times and Sylvia is followed by DJ Lee in the afternoon slot.
The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 1187 kHz, announcing 253 metres, between 1342-1403 sometime in 1978.
Radio Cill Dara sticker (courtesy Jimmy St Ledger).
Radio Cill Dara commenced regular programmes in March 1978 following teat transmissions, on an announced wavelength of 270 metres medium wave, but using an off-channel crystal cut for 1120.5 kHz. The station was based in Naas in Co. Kildare, but announced a contact address in Newbridge. A mixed music format was broadcast including the latest pop, along with oldies, country and new Irish sounds. Community news and interviews were also featured.
Radio Cill Dara transmitter (courtesy Jimmy St Ledger).
Transmissions were scheduled initially on Sundays from 1000-1800, later extending to Saturdays and Wednesday nights. The staff included ex Radio Dublin DJs Jimmy St Ledger, Johnny Day and Alistair Mac. Radio Cill Dara celebrated its first birthday on 18th February 1979 and as they had never suffered a raid in that first year, they made it a double celebration! The station continued through 1979, but suffered technical problems with the 500-watt transmitter.
It is not clear when transmissions on medium wave finished, but Radio Cill Dara International appeared on 6260 kHz shortwave later in the year. It was logged for example on 28th October. Transmissions were made most Sundays from 1000-1300, but had disappeared by the following year.
QSL card (courtesy Jimmy St Ledger).
The recording is from 4th June 1978 from 1200-1238 and features the end of Johnny Day’s programme followed by Jimmy St Ledger. Thanks to Jimmy for the audio and to Ian Biggar for accompanying text.
ARD studio in Belvedere Place in 1978 (courtesy Dave Reddy).
In 1978, the Dublin pirate radio scene took off in earnest as what were previously sporadic or part-time stations moved to full schedules and developed a more professional sound. This recording features Alternative Radio Dublin (ARD) and the Big D, two stations that emerged from splits from the original Radio Dublin. First up is Big D founder James Dillon with plenty of requests of the ‘madly in love’ variety, live-read adverts and a promo for the Big D roadshow. Fellow DJ John Paul’s sung jingles and the voice of Denis Murray are also heard. 11 Chapel Lane is the postal address and the wavelength announced is 273 metres.
Big D sticker (courtesy Bill Ebrill).
The dial is then changed to 257 metres and to the end of Greg Gaughren’s show on ARD. Greg is standing in for Ronan Collins in the afternoon slot. News at the top of the hour is read by Dave C. (RIP) and sponsored by the Sunday World newspaper. This is followed by Jason Maine with Tuesday’s Maineline Music Programme. The ARD segment in particular is noteworthy for its professionalism, a reminder that some pirates were providing a high-quality service long before the arrival of the likes of Radio Nova and Sunshine Radio into the Irish market.
The recording was made from 1530-1630 sometime in October 1978. It is kindly donated by Ian Biggar.
This is a selection of the first cut of ARD jingles from 1978 and 1979. Many include reference to the station’s announced wavelength of 257 metres, which was equivalent to frequencies between 1134 and 1161 kHz during ARD/Radio 257’s existence. In the days before digital read-outs, the precise frequency was less important. Some jingles are generic and idents for ARD news, weather, sports and traffic are also heard. The set finishes with the original ’24 hours a day’ jingle from KACY 1520 in California that was re-cut by ARD and voiced by Tony Allan.
The recording was made originally by Kieran Murray and is from the Anoraks Ireland Tapes Collection, donated to us by Paul Davidson.
