BLB Sounds From The Past
This series takes listeners through the incredible history of a community radio station formerly based in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland which was launched in 1979. The station began as a pirate radio operation, challenging conventional broadcasting norms and setting the stage for global innovation in community radio. The series, told from the perspective of one of its founders, Mark Quinn, provides a deeply personal account of the station’s journey and its profound impact on everyone who was in its orbit.
Credits:
Sound recording by Mike Quinn
Sound mixing by Luke Conlon
High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland
www.highwire.ie
Artwork by Jody Hogg Design
www.jodyhogg.com
Produced and presented by Mark Quinn
The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.
BLB Sounds From The Past
Gladys Sheehan, Mike Murphy & Bill Scott
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A true local legend, a flamboyant, larger-than-life actress, drama teacher and theatre producer; first up in this archive podcast is Gladys Sheehan. Known affectionately to many as the Grande Dame of Bray, Gladys ran renowned drama schools in Bray and Greystones, instilling confidence in generations of local children. She was a veteran of both the stage and screen, appearing as an actress in dozens of films shot right on our doorstep at Ardmore Studios, all while raising her family and being a champion of local arts.
In this interview with Mark Quinn, she talks openly about life as a mother to her children with disabilities, the demands of running theatrical productions and the optimism that helped her keep moving forward. She also tells the story of how a certain part of her anatomy (her bum!) became unexpectedly famous after appearing in a Harp Lager television commercial.
Sitting opposite Gladys in the studio was one of the most recognisable voices and faces in the country at that time (1989) RTÉ broadcaster and producer Mike Murphy. By then, Mike had already cemented his place in Irish broadcasting history, having hosted major flagship shows like The Live Mike and The Arts Programme, bringing a unique blend of sharp wit, warmth and innovation to the national airwaves.
This live radio interview turned out to be a wonderfully open conversation. Recorded on Horizon Radio, Bray more than three decades ago.
A separate interview recorded in December of 1989 is unforgettable because of the sheer force of personality of the guest. In this interview Mark grappled with the ever-opinionated Bill Scott.
Waterford born, Bill’s life was nothing short of remarkable. In his younger years, he served with the Palestine Police and later the London Metropolitan Police. You’ll hear him talk about being shot at, witnessing the actual crucifixion of a man and saving a young Michael Jackson’s life.
Bill was a radio presenter’s dream guest; he held firm views on almost every subject, delivering his thoughts with a level of confidence that made for compelling radio. A great story teller with tales that were very definitely of their time!
Email Mark: radiogenicproductions@gmail.com
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