Dundalk FM Celebrates Major Success at 2026 Community Radio Ireland Achievement Awards

Dundalk FM took home three awards from the Craol Achievement Awards 2026, held at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Thursday, July 16th.

“These awards are a true reflection of the dedication and passion of our volunteers, staff and everyone who makes Dundalk FM the heart of our community,” said Dundalk FM.

The local community station received two Gold awards and a Silver, with the Dundalk Library Poetry Reading Group also collecting a second special honour for its Irish language programme.

Grúpa Léitheoirí Filíochta Leabharlann Dhún Dealgan, the Dundalk Library Poetry Reading Group, received Gold in the Irish Language category. The award recognised a programme created by Yvonne Bagnall, Deirdre McDermott, Pat McKenna, Noel Sharkey, Jervis Byrne, Sally Lambe, Michael Farrell, Patrick Bermingham, Irene Maloney, Loretta Byrne and Alan Byrne. The group’s work brings Irish language poetry to the airwaves, providing an accessible meeting point between language, literature and community broadcasting. Alongside its Gold award, the group received a second special recognition for the programme, underlining the quality of its entry and the members’ commitment to sharing Irish language and culture with Dundalk FM’s listeners.

A second Gold award went to presenter Joanne Lavelle for Families of Dundalk in the Irish Culture Showcase category. The six part series explored the history and continuing importance of independent family businesses in Dundalk. Through personal conversations with local business owners, Lavelle examined how well known enterprises began, evolved and overcame the challenges involved in serving the town across several generations.

Among the businesses featured were Michael Lynch Menswear, McCormick’s Butchers, Christy McGee Insurance, Holland Hardware, Connell & Co., Terry Kelly Paints, Life Pharmacy in Seatown, Conlon’s Food Deli, McEvoys Stores and Michael Lavelle Estate Agents. The programme also considered the wider role played by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and the Dundalk Business Improvement District Scheme in supporting the commercial and social life of the town. Common themes running through the series included the importance of families serving families, the trust built between local businesses and their customers, and the pride these enterprises take in contributing to Dundalk.

Dundalk FM chairperson Joe Duffy was honoured with Silver in the Social Benefit Music category for his work on the Afternoon Show, Showband Street and as a documentary maker. Duffy’s broadcasting celebrates music as a source of shared memory and community connection. Showband Street, in particular, helps preserve the story and sound of Ireland’s showband era for existing fans while introducing that important part of Irish cultural history to new audiences.

The awards were presented by Community Radio Ireland, also known as CRAOL or Raidió Pobail na hÉireann, with the support of Coimisiún na Meán.

The latest success continues Dundalk FM’s strong history at the national community radio awards. In 2022, presenter Jason Kelly received Gold in the Access and Inclusion category as well as a special Outstanding Award, while Dundalk FM’s flagship Town Talk programme received Gold for Social Benefit. Kelly was recognised for the confidence, skills and sense of belonging he developed through community broadcasting, including his determination to learn how to broadcast remotely during the pandemic. Town Talk was honoured for its extensive coverage of local affairs and its engagement with community organisations across Dundalk.

The 2026 awards demonstrate the breadth of Dundalk FM’s programming. From Irish language poetry and traditional popular music to the stories of local family businesses, the winning entries share a commitment to preserving local identity and giving members of the community an opportunity to tell their own stories.

For Dundalk FM, the awards are not simply an acknowledgement of broadcasting quality. They recognise the volunteers, presenters, contributors and community groups whose work ensures that Dundalk’s voices, experiences and cultural traditions continue to be heard.