There were a number of
umbrella groups formed to support and lobby for free radio in Ireland. One of
the earliest was an Irish branch of the Free Radio Association that opened in
1968. The Irish branch gave an address at Library Road, Shankill, County
Dublin. Next in 1970 was the United Stations Network which oversaw publicity
for four stations Radio Eamo, Radio Galaxy, Radio Caroline and Radio Baile Atha
Cliath. Their spokesman was Cork born Hugo Riordan. A former Arts student he
was heavily involved in the occupation of 45 St Stephens Green to protect it
from demolition.
The Irish Radio Movement
(IRM) was founded in 1973 to support the growing number of pirate radio
stations and to lobby for alternative radio. When letters to the newspapers
began to appear, they were signed by Ken Sheehan with an address on Mourne
Road. The club secretary would become one of the most well know broadcasters in
Dublin, Mark Storey. In January 1976, the AGM of the organisation was held, and
Paddy Brennan was elected as President, Mark Storey continued as Secretary and
Ken Sheehan appointed Press Officer. The IRM’s also appointed John Dowling as
editor of the group newsletter ‘Medium 6’. The group was disbanded in late 1976
to be replaced by the Free Radio Campaign.
The Free Radio Campaign
was run by Kieran Murray from his home in Ranelagh. The FRC began in 1976, initially
publishing the ‘FRC Newsletter’ in 1976 and 1977 before it was renamed ‘Sounds
Alternative’ in August 1977. The FRC continued until mid 1981.
Anoraks Ireland was based
on Collins Avenue West on Dublin’s northside and was run by Paul Davidson (real
name Tony Donlon). He produced a newsletter, station lists and supplied tapes
and mechandise from the many stations across Ireland. In 1983, in his
newsletter Mr. Davidson reported that he was having issues,
“Anoraks Ireland have
recently been experiencing a number of problems. We are pleased to report that these
have been sorted out. On October 31st the following statement was issued.
‘Dear
Friends, We regret that Anoraks Ireland has been unable to reply to your many letters
in the last four months as we have had serious problems with the continued operation
of Anoraks Ireland. 'Certain people' who do not wish us well have endeavoured
since August 1983 to silence Irelands one and only Free Radio Organisation.
These people have attempted at various times to persuade, discredit and threaten
the existence of Anoraks Ireland by personal visits, the use of a PO Box number
purposely in our postal district area and their latest ploy was to report
Anoraks Ireland to the income tax authorities in Dublin. The inspectorate have
investigated Anoraks Ireland in depth and are satisfied that Anoraks Ireland is
a non-profit organisation run by Radio enthusiasts promoting independent radio
in Ireland.
We
have resisted all threats from these people who claim a genuine interest in
Irish Free Radio, but who are instead motivated by Self Greed and commercial
profit.’”
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