The Pirate.ie Podcast #9: Our audio tribute to Don Moore (RIP)

The Pirate.ie Podcast #9: Our audio tribute to Don Moore (RIP)
L-R Ian Biggar, Roger Lloyd and Don Moore at the Pirate.ie meet-up in October 2018.

It was with sadness that we learned recently of the death of Don Moore, one of the early pioneers of Irish pirate radio in the crucial period of the mid- to late-1970s. Dr Don, as he was known on air, was the operator of Radio Westside, a shortwave station later called Westside Radio International. He became involved in the early days of Radio Dublin before moving on to its great rival, ARD which he developed into a professional station around the turn of the decade.

In episode #9 of the Pirate.ie podcast, Brian Greene and John Walsh interview various people who knew Don, either in person or over the air, and get their assessment of his influence on the development of Irish radio: Roger Lloyd (Prince Terry), Derek Jones, Declan Meehan and Ian Biggar.

Jingles: Radio Valleri International (Dublin)

Jingles: Radio Valleri International (Dublin)
Radio Valleri poster courtesy of DX Archive.

Radio Valleri was one of the long-running Irish shortwave pirates of the 1970s and 1980s. Founded by Mike Anderson and Derek Jones, it began testing in 1972 on 1525 kHz medium wave before moving to short wave. The station became a regular operator on Sunday mornings, one of many such pirates from Ireland in the 49 metre band. There’s a detailed history on the DX Archive pages. One of those involved at the beginning was Arno St Jude (Declan Meehan).

This recording from 1985 is of station jingles, voiced by Brian and Dónal Greene. The frequency announced is 6870 kHz.

Interview: Derek Jones (Radio Valleri)

Interview: Derek Jones (Radio Valleri)
Derek Jones at Radio Valleri, Drumcondra, Dublin, late 1970s.

One of Ireland’s longest serving DJs and radio operators, Derek Jones sat down to tell his radio story, from AM Raidió Bhaile Átha Cliath (Radio Dublin) in the 1960s, to his long running SW station Radio Valleri, to Christmas FM and Retro FM. Derek also discusses his favourite radio memories including his nine years on Radio Caroline Dublin in Sutton.

Interview: Derek Jones (Radio Valleri)
image via dxarchive.com