Community
Families gathered on Euston Street in Greenore for Heritage Week 2026, enjoying working steam machines, vintage cars, live music from the Dundalk Ukulele Strummers and a strong sense of local community spirit.
Radiothon 2019 97 Places in One Day: The Radiothon That Put Dundalk on Air Shops, schools, salons, factories, gyms, community groups, and even somebody’s front room. If Dundalk FM could reach it, it could become part of the broadcast. Friday, 4 October 2019 • Dundalk FM 97.7 At first, the number sounded ridiculous.Ninety seven locations. One day.That meant getting out of the studio, crossing Dundalk against the clock, meeting people wherever they worked or gathered, and turning every quick visit into a little piece of live local radio.It was ambitious. It was unpredictable. And it was exactly the kind of idea a community station should attempt. 97 placesAcross the local community 1 dayTo complete the challenge 97.7 FMThe number that inspired it The invitation went out to everyone The plan was simple. Dundalk FM presenters would visit each location for a few minutes, record a dedication or song request, and invite the hosts to take on a Just a Minute Quiz. Who could join in? Practically anyone. Local shops Salons Restaurants Factories Gyms Schools Community groups Public buildings Local homes The open invitation was picked up by the Dundalk Democrat ahead of the event, helping spread the challenge across the town. A radio station in motion On Friday, 4 October, Radiothon stopped being a poster and became a race around Dundalk. Each visit was brief, but that was part of the charm. A presenter arrived. A microphone appeared. Someone made a dedication. Someone else faced the quiz. Then the team packed up and moved towards the next name on the list. For one day, the studio was not a room in Park Street. The studio was the whole town. The format captured small moments that ordinary broadcasting can miss. Staff members laughing together. A customer being pulled into a quiz. A school or community group hearing its own name on air. A familiar local business becoming the centre of attention for a few memorable minutes. Could you survive the Just a Minute Quiz? The visits needed something quick, playful, and capable of producing instant radio. The Just a Minute Quiz fitted perfectly. One location. One dedication. One quick quiz. Then it was time to race towards the next stop. The quiz gave every location its own little moment of suspense. It also made the hosts more than a name on a list. They became part of the programme, often with colleagues, friends, pupils, customers, or neighbours listening nearby. Mission accomplished By the end of the day, Dundalk FM had done what it set out to do. The station had broadcast from 97 places in a single day. The achievement mattered, but the number was only half the story. Every stop represented a relationship between the station and the community it serves. That is why the challenge still feels so perfectly matched to Dundalk FM. The station’s frequency supplied the number, but the people of Dundalk supplied the energy, the locations, the voices, and the welcome. More than a number on the dial Radiothon 2019 showed what community radio looks like when it steps outside and knocks on the community’s door. To hear what Dundalk FM is doing today, listen live on 97.7 FM or online. To discover why participation matters so much, explore the story and purpose of Dundalk FM. Dundalk FM 97.7, connecting the town one voice, one story, and one location at a time.
Join Dundalk FM 97.7 Your Voice Belongs Here You do not need a radio voice, technical experience, or a perfect programme idea. You only need curiosity and the willingness to try. Volunteering, training, creativity, and community Have you ever heard a presenter introduce a song and quietly wondered what it would feel like to sit behind the microphone yourself?Perhaps you know everything about a particular kind of music. Maybe you follow local sport, care deeply about community issues, enjoy meeting people, or have a talent for finding stories nobody else has noticed.You might be closer to radio than you think.At Dundalk FM, presenters are not distant celebrities with impossible voices. They are local people who decided to give it a try. You do not volunteer because you already know how to make radio. You volunteer because you would like to learn. What does a Dundalk FM volunteer actually do? The microphone may be the most visible part of radio, but a station needs many different interests and abilities. Present programmesShare music, conversation, sport, culture, news, or a specialist interest. Research local storiesFind guests, prepare questions, check information, and uncover ideas worth sharing. Produce and edit audioShape interviews, music, introductions, and recorded material into a finished programme. Support the communityHelp with outside broadcasts, events, community notices, and local outreach. You might love being on air. You might prefer making everything work behind the scenes. Both matter. Your first step is smaller than you imagine In July 2020, twelve potential volunteers joined a Dundalk FM information session. John, Consuelo, Danielle, Noel, Mark, Venus, another Mark, Richard, Colin, Liana, Niamh, and Hammond arrived with different experiences and different reasons for being curious about radio. They were not asked to walk into a live studio and fill an hour immediately. Instead, Padraig Quigley and Marissa Lucchesi offered to help each person record a one-off music programme. The choices included AlphaBeats, 100 Years of Music, and Spotlight, three friendly formats that gave a beginner somewhere clear and enjoyable to start. A Dundalk FM information session in July 2020 introduced a new group of volunteers to the possibilities of community radio. The first programme does not need to change the world. It only needs to help you discover what happens when your interests, ideas, and personality meet a microphone. From curious beginner to confident broadcaster The volunteer journey is designed to build confidence one step at a time. 1. Say helloTell the station what interests you 2. Learn the basicsDiscover how programmes are made 3. Make a recordingTry your first supported show 4. Find your placeDevelop a role that suits you Training can introduce you to programme planning, running orders, microphone technique, interviews, audio recording, editing, and operating a sound desk. More importantly, it gives you space to practise without pretending you know everything already. The station’s current values make that commitment clear. Dundalk FM welcomes people into training in a supportive atmosphere, with no previous broadcasting experience required. You may gain more than radio skills Learning to present a programme can make you a clearer speaker. Interviewing guests can make you a better listener. Editing audio develops patience and attention to detail. Working with other volunteers builds teamwork, confidence, and friendships. Volunteering can help you: become more confident speaking and communicating learn practical recording and editing skills meet people from across Dundalk and County Louth support local groups, campaigns, events, and stories explore an interest in media, journalism, music, or production create something you are proud to share Some volunteers discover a path towards education or employment. Others find a creative outlet, a weekly routine, or a stronger connection to the town. There is no single correct reason for joining. What kind of programme could you bring to Dundalk? Think about the conversations you wish happened more often. Could you introduce listeners to new Irish music? Tell the stories of local businesses? Cover grassroots sport? Create a programme for a community that rarely hears itself represented? Explore local history? Interview artists, volunteers, carers, campaigners, or people with extraordinary everyday lives? Dundalk FM already broadcasts a wide mix of speech and music, but community radio is never finished. It grows whenever somebody new arrives with a perspective the station has not heard before. You do not have to become a presenter Perhaps being on air is not your goal. You could still have an important role. Researchers help presenters ask better questions. Producers keep programmes organised. Editors turn raw recordings into engaging audio. Technical volunteers support sound desks and outside broadcasts. Community contributors help the station stay connected to local groups and events. The station is built by people with different strengths. Your contribution does not need to sound like anybody else’s. What if your first show is closer than you think? You do not need to arrive with a finished proposal. Contact Dundalk FM, share what interests you, and ask about the next volunteer information session or introductory training opportunity. Ask about volunteering Call 042 939 5100 You can also listen live and explore the Dundalk FM schedule. Pay attention to the programmes that make you think, “I would love to try that.” That thought may be all you need to begin. Dundalk FM 97.7, your station, your community, and perhaps your next adventure. — This article was researched, refreshed and prepared for Dundalk FM by Astory Media, helping local organisations turn valuable archive material into engaging digital content.
Dundalk FM General Election 2020 Guidelines for Presenters The BAI Guidelines will apply from 16th January 2020 until the closing of polling stations on 8th February 2020. The main points of Rule 27 to consider are All presenters will be made aware that news and current affairs is presented in a fair and impartial manner without any expression of the broadcaster’s own views. Broadcast content must not display bias in favour of, or against, any election interest, including parties or candidates. Endorsements on-air by a broadcaster of election interests, including candidates or parties are not permitted. It is not appropriate for persons involved with election interests to present programmes during the election campaign period. Comments made off line have the potential to undermine the perceived impartiality of our coverage. Advertising We do not advertise election events, notices regarding meetings or other events being organised by election interests either as paid ads or Community Notices. Advice Advice may be sought anytime via election@bai.ie or by phone 01 644 1200. Background Information A folder entitled ‘Election 2020 ‘ has been created in the E Drive. It contains the BAI Guidelines and a record of our coverage. Communications This document will be displayed in the Reception, Production Studio, Main Studio and Canteen area and volunteers and staff will be sent a link to the documents which will be saved to our website. Complaints Complaints will be handled according to our Complaints Code which is available on dundalkfm.ie. Conflict of Interest Staff and volunteers will be asked if they have a conflict of interest. This means that if you are canvassing or promoting a candidate (even online) then it is advisable to stand down from programming until after the election. The Programme Committee will decide on a case by case basis on appropriate arrangements. Moratorium The Dundalk FM moratorium is from 10am on Friday 7th February 2020 until 10pm on Saturday 8th February 2020. Opinion Polls A presenter must give information such as the date the poll was taken, who commissioned and paid for the poll, who conducted it and the number of people polled. Party Political Broadcasts Dundalk FM will not transmit any party political broadcasts. Programming Election Coverage will feature as part of our Current Affairs shows – Town Talk (Marissa Lucchesi) and on The Brunch (Cathal McCooey). Don’t cover the Election unless you run it by the manager or a member of staff in advance. A record of contributors, time on air, topics of conversations will be recorded on Running Orders and a Summary Sheet. Social Media Presenters should aim to become a trusted source of information. Post meaningful, respectful comments — in other words, please, no spam and no remarks that are off-topic or offensive.
Review of 2019 December Newsletter Christmas Specials We made a special effort to record new Christmas Shows – so thank you to the following: Gussie Hearty’s Christmas Day Special, the Garda Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party, St Brigid’s School Christmas Fair, Men’s Shed Concert, Noel Sharkey’s recordings from the Blackrock and Haggardstown Senior Citizen’s Party, ‘A Winter’s Tale’ by the Clermont Chorale – recorded in St Mary’s Church, Castlebellingham, the Dundalk Baptist Church Carol Service, Aiken Barracks Town Talk Show, Primary Kids featuring Knockbridge NS with Orla Crilly. John Englishby’s Quiet Irish Music Christmas Special, We Rock Your World, Beaten Tracks and Rocksteady Rhythms Christmas Editions, the Goblin and the Gravedigger Radio Play by Patricia Reynolds, the SMART Network Louth Christmas Special recorded in the Community Offices and the Classic Sounds Christmas Day show at 12pm with Jim Ryan. Thank you everyone, it makes for the best radio at Christmas time. New Shows 2019 Mike’s Music Express Mike McMahon, 12pm on Saturdays Saturday Night 80’s Andy McKenna, 10pm 1st Saturday Odds & Sods John Englishby, 11pm 1st Saturday Saturday Night David Larkin, 10pm 2nd Saturday My Week In Tunes Danny O’Hanlon, 11pm 2ndSaturday Roots and Boots Kerry Fearon, 10pm 3rd Saturday Your Song Donal Carroll & Margaret Hoey, 11pm 4th Saturday Build up with Bellew Match nights from 7pm AlphaBeats Series 1 and 2 3pm and 4pm on Sundays Occasional Programming Inspire Well Being Music Show, Brendan Connolly Poetry and Music Show, Automatic Pilot – Poetry and Music show, Town Talk Miscellany, Ready Steady Go, Féile 2019 Special Tracey Hanby, A-Z of Music Philip O Brien, St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Monday programming – all Irish music shows hosted by various presenters. We Will Rock You Hallowe’en and Christmas Specials. 2019 Outside Broadcasts Feb Dundalk Chamber M50 Launch, Bellingham Castle. Mar Enterprise Week, Creative Spark. International Women’s Day, County Library. Carlingford Vigil for Ruth Maguire, Carlingford. Apr Age Friendly Conference, Crowne Plaza. Fr Michael Cusack/Birches Fundraiser, St Gerard’s Hall. May Election Coverage, Redeemer Resource Centre. National Volunteer Week, Louth Volunteer Centre. LMETB Open Day, Chapel Street. Drink Tea for MND, Quay Celtic Clubrooms. June Sunshine Choir Coffee Morning, Rehab Hub. Vantastival, Beaulieu House. July Drive105FM Derry v Dundalk. Dundalk Pride, Outcomers. Open Day in Louth County Hospital. Sept Knockbridge Vintage Festival. Coffee Morning, North Louth Hospice. Louth Volunteer Centre Fair, DKIT. Kavanagh Poetry Weekend, Inniskeen. Oct 10 Year Licence Radiothon. Mental Health Week, County Museum. Coder Dojo Mór, Carroll’s Building, DKIT. Nov Louth Craftmark Christmas Fair, Bellurgan Park. Dec Dundalk Simon Community, Joceyln Street. Aiken Barracks Christmas Special. Shows: Town Talk, Mike’s Music Express, Lunch Box, Brunch, Lion’s Club at your Service, Good Morning Dundalk, Showband Street, Drive Time & 35 Soccer Commentaries. New Trainees who completed our 2 day courses were: Dominik Buch, Joe McArdle, Cathal McCooey, Dan Pope, Andy McKenna, Gregor Byatt, Orla Crilly, David Larkin, Kerry Fearon, Eddie Cranney, Cynthia Manda, Mary Matthews, Eimear O’Kane and Mary Rose Muckian, David Bellew and Ryan O’Donnell – QQI L3 Media Expression Course. David Bellew, Billy Lyons, Sean O’Connor and Kevin McGuirk – QQI L4 Community Radio Course. Dundalk International Trainees (funded by the Department of Justice) Here is a video clip of John from Sweden along with Carole (Scotland) and Eimear (Ireland) with their Swedish cafe role play. Here is a clip of Narcissa (Romania) ,Filomena (Ireland) and Tara (Ireland) with their Romanian cafe role play. We are looking for participants for 2 FREE RADIO COURSES in the New Year – Women on Air (funded by the Anne McGeeney Trust Fund) and Dundalk International. The first is aimed at immigrants and local people and the second is for migrants and refugee women. Email marissalucchesi@dundalkfm.ie for more information. Keep an eye out for Community Radio Ireland sponsored training in Continuous Professional Development for Trainers and the Craol Féile workshop in October. Events Team – a real success and suggestions and new members are welcome! The Events Team had a brilliant year starting with the 70’s Christmas Party Night 2018. The 2019 event is a sell out. The €500 Shop Local Members Christmas Draw raised €1,213.00. A donation of €4,235.00 was contributed to help pay for Broadcast Software and the new equipment for the studio. The Flag Day in August contributed to station funds. Sound and Vision Documentaries that we completed. Clan II, SS Connemara, The Romantic Landscape, Musical Chances – Music Generation Louth, St Brigid of Faughart, The Buildings Built by the British in Dundalk. If you have an idea for an application for the 2020 rounds contact victoriamcardle@dundalkfm.ie. New Daytime Presenters John Englishby. Cathal McCooey. Mary Rose Muckian. Station News We signed a 10 year licence with the BAI on on 27th August. Thanks to the Craol stations who sent us a congratulations audio clip. Craol Achievement Awards GOLD Winners – Dundalk Lion’s At Your Service and the Oriel Park Live Team. We would like to thank Aidan Noone who stepped down as producer from the Brunch. Aidan will continue to record, edit and send in interviews for broadcast. Congratulations to Marian DelDuca – Volunteer of the Month Award. Welcome Marissa Lucchesi – Research Staff, Billy Lyons -Weekend Duty Manager and Victoria McArdle – Projects Researcher. A Most Significant Change Story featuring the Summer League Focus was included by Craol as part of a National Research project. Members Notes Annual Membership is renewed during August. 50 minutes max for pre-recorded shows. Save a promo of your show to the Timed Promos folder. New Show Proposals – P&T Meetings – 1st Tuesday at 4.30pm. Play the News/Community Notices at the top of the hour. 30% Irish Music per show. Thank You all for helping to improve our service. To all the local community groups, businesses, regional and national organisations along with the arts, business and sports community. To our local representatives, Community Radio Ireland, Pobal Community Services Programme, Central CE and Tús. To our volunteers, guests, board of directors, sub committees and our helpful, creative and
Dundalk FM would like to invite you to come along to our Coffee Evening on Thursday 11th July 2019 from 7 to 8. The station has over 90 volunteers and provides Programming that reflects the experiences of people living in Dundalk Employment and training opportunities for people in the area and Opportunities for small local enterprises to reach a local listenership We have ongoing vacancies for Programme presenters Sound desk operators and News and Sports Journalists We are a Social Inclusion and Community Development Radio Station that is run by community group representatives and individuals, like yourself, on a not for profit basis. So for information about your next step in community radio and to find out about our next 2 day Learn about Radio course call us in Thursday the 11th July from 7 at Dundalk FM Studios, Partnership Court, Park Street, Dundalk. Why not bring a friend and see what opportunities exist with your local community run and owned radio station. Looking forward to seeing you then.
Dundalk FM would like to invite you to come along to our Coffee Evening on Thursday 9th May from 7 to 8. We are a Social Inclusion and Community Development Radio Station that is run by community group representatives and individuals on a not for profit basis. The station has over 90 volunteers and provides Programming that reflects the experiences of people living in Dundalk. Employment and training opportunities for people in the area. Opportunities for small local enterprises to reach a local listenership. We have ongoing vacancies for Programme Presenters. Sound Desk Operators. News and Sports Journalists. So for information about your next step in community radio and to find out about our next 2 day Learn about Radio course, call into us on Thursday the 9th May from 7 at Dundalk FM Studios, Partnership Court, Park Street, Dundalk. Looking forward to seeing you then.
A Great Fun Night “Not To Be Missed” for more details and entry form contact Dundalk FM on 042-939 5100 or email info@dundalkfm.ie
If you would like to register your interest in joining Dundalk ‘s Community radio station, then all it takes is for you to email info@dundalkfm.ie with your name and phone number and we will add you to our distribution list. We run regular information evenings and training courses as you can see in below.
Send us your best caption for the new Dundalk FM coffee cup and you could see your winning line printed on it.
