Tag: Dublin

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Declan Meehan on Sunshine Radio in 1982

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Declan Meehan on Sunshine Radio in 1982
Declan Meehan at the controls in the early days of Sunshine Radio (courtesy Ian Biggar).

This recording of popular DJ Declan Meehan on Sunshine Radio was made in summer 1982, as the north Dublin station approached its second birthday. Along with the usual mixture of contemporary hits and oldies, there’s mention of the ongoing World Cup tournament and the Sunshine Radio rock concert in Malahide Castle that evening. Commercial breaks include an advert for Tamango’s nightclub in the Sands Hotel in Portmarnock where Sunshine was based. There’s also a cash prize giveaway based on a car registration number. News is read by Siobhán Walls, who had previously worked in pirate radio in Cork. Declan Meehan would move to Sunshine’s great rival Radio Nova the following month.

The recording was made from 531 kHz between 1642-1727 on Friday 18th June 1982. After a wobbly start, audio quality is good. Thanks to Ian Biggar for the donation.

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Plans for new kids’ programme on Magic 103

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Plans for new kids' programme on Magic 103
Magic 103 sticker (Anoraks Ireland Collection)

Magic 103 was an offshoot of Dublin super-pirate Radio Nova, set up as an information and easy listening music service for the city. Its first full day was 29th April 1985 but it closed only five months later on 22nd September, citing financial difficulties. However, the station was also embroiled in the ongoing dispute between Nova boss Chris Cary and the National Union of Journalists, which eventually contributed to Nova’s demise in 1986.

This recording was made shortly after Magic 103 launched and features a lunchtime show presented by Dave Johnson (Andrew Hanlon), who also reads ABC Network News, simulcast on Radio Nova. The music is a mixture of easy listening, oldies and country and listeners call in for chat and requests. There are regular references to an audition for new presenters for a kids’ programme called Magic Hullabaloo taking place at Magic headquarters at 144 Upper Leeson Street. Many of the hopefuls are invited into studio, including one who already hosts a show on Community Radio Fingal in north Dublin. The kids’ enthusiasm and knowledge about radio provides an interesting insight to the popularity of the medium among 1980s teenagers in Dublin, but the music is definitely not aimed at them. The recording also includes sports results read by Aidan Cooney.

The recording was made from 103.5 FM on Saturday 18th May 1985. Part 1 above is from 1203-1335 and Part 2 below from 1336-1508.

Both recordings are from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

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First evening on Nova offshoot KISS FM

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First evening on Nova offshoot KISS FM
Advert for KISS FM in the Sunday World in 1982 (Anoraks Ireland Collection).

KISS FM (1982-1984) was one of many offshoots of Dublin pirate Radio Nova. This recording is from the station’s first evening on air and features the ‘clutterfree’ format of continuous music and limited talk associated with Nova. DJ Hugh O’Brien reads a reception report from near Belfast, indicating the strength of the transmitter. Nova’s now syndicated service Independent Radio News is read by Siobhán Purcell.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 102.7 FM on Tuesday 7th September 1982 between 2107-2212.

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Dr Don’s Dinner Spinner on ARD

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Dr Don's Dinner Spinner on ARD
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.

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Lunchtime on Radio Dublin in 1978

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Lunchtime on Radio Dublin in 1978
Early Radio Dublin sticker (courtesy DX Archive).

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.