Volunteers needed to help get radio station up and running
By Maurice Garvey
THE pirate radio golden years finished at the end of December 1988, and with it, hundreds of local pirate radio stations around the country.
One of these was 3CR, otherwise known as Clondalkin Community Radio, a popular local outlet, with numerous young aspiring DJ’s.
Eric Moore and Cllr Eoin O’Broin at the Round Tower in Clondalkin on Saturday
The station was located in a portacabin at the back of a house on the Boot Road, and served its purpose, providing the local community a platform, minus commercial BS and State interference.
Those days are long gone but finally after 33 years, a local radio station could be about to make it back on the scene in Dublin 22, which has a population of over 46,000.
The initiative is being driven by Eric Moore and Clondalkin Cllr Eoin Ó Broin (Ind).
No premises or funding has been secured at this stage but the pair are trying to get the word out, and they need local volunteers to get involved and help build the station via a variety of roles, whether that be presenters, producers, researchers or engineers.
Eric, a broadcaster and presenter at RTE Gold, has plenty of experience in the industry, and got an early taste of radio life at 3CR as a teenager.
“I did a show once or twice there, my friend DJ Control was involved, but on December 31, 1988, all stations had to get a licence, that pulled the rug on everything, ripped the heart and soul out,” said Eric.
“We need to get the word out for volunteers.
“You can have the most fantastic studio but without volunteers you have nothing. We are looking for people from all walks of life. It is not going to be a 24/7 station. At the start it will be online but we need to fill a lot of roles. This station is going to be a voice for Clondalkin.”
David Sharkey (50), a former DJ on 3CR, fondly recalls “great times” at the Boot Road portacabin studio.
“People did listen, friends and family tuned in, a lot of younger lads were involved, doing different shows, it was great craic,” said David.
“All your peers knew you were doing it, and were sending in requests. Some girls would even be waiting outside. I used to listen to the news and was able to announce that the Communards had just broken up on air.”
Sharkey went on to study at the College of Music and the Rock School, forging a career on the local circuits.
Today he lives in Sallins, Co. Kildare, where he set up a dramatic society, but he thoroughly recommends people try a stint on local radio.
“It gave me a great idea of balancing sounds and using equipment,” he said.
“I went to Moyle Park College and they were great for sports and arts. When the opportunity came up at 3CR I jumped at it. The local radio station in Sallins KFM is great for promoting local clubs, events, fundraisers.”
Clondalkin Cllr Eoin Ó Broin (Ind) believes it is an exciting time to start a local radio station.
“Although there are now more media platforms than ever with social media, music streaming and Netflix adding to traditional print, TV, and radio, there should be space for local issues and voices to be aired,” he said.
Eric also has previously introduced a programme for Transition Year radio stations for local schools.
“Even if they don’t listen to radio, once they get involved, you find there is something for everyone in radio,” he said.
“Clondalkin people are very proud, to have a place where they can pitch programmes would be amazing. Elderly people may feel they are being left behind. This won’t just be music. You can have a chess club on, mens shed. It is about a sense of community, doing things together. We want to have shows about everything.”
Anybody interested in volunteering is encouraged to email clondalkincommunityradio@gmail.com
Or check the newly established Facebook page of the same name, where details of roles (with training provided) will be posted.
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