Supporting Pirate Radio Through the Decades

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.’”