Ballina - September 1981

This is Jim Power from OBs in Community Radio West's Ballina studio. Community Radio West, based in Castlebar (using the Mobile Radio Studio as a hub) and with satellite studios in Clarmorris, Foxford, Ballina and Knock was RTE's last major project of its kind. It happened when RTE still had hopes of dominating local radio in Ireland. There were elaborate plans at the time for a network of regional and local stations relying extensively on voluntary community involvement. In the event, RTE Community Radio probably encouraged aspirant radio enthusiasts to set up pirate stations, which in their turn evolved into the local commercial stations of the present day.

For an enlarged high-definition image, click on the picture (note the waiting contributor in the mirror).

Community Radio West - Castlebar

The Mobile Radio Studio at Marsh House, Castlebar, Co Mayo.




RTE's then director general, George Waters, with members of the Castlebar Community Radio committee in the Mobile Studio.



Brian Mulvihill with (?) Paddy Cosgrave (?) in the MRS control room at Castlebar.



Michael Carroll (Director of Radio) and George Waters (Director General) with members of Castlebar's community radio committee.



Our production trainees!

Community Radio Foxford

This was the smallest - and one of the most vibrant - of our contributing studios. On the left is the delightful Kitty Turnbull of Foxford's community radio committee.

Knock Community Radio

(Right) Johnny Joyce from Radio OBs

Claremorris Community Radio

Tom Manning (left) and Brendan McCarthy, who produced Community Radio West