Two popular Claremorris radio programmes have been recognised with Achievement Awards at the Community Radio Ireland Féile, which was held in Leixlip last month.
Presenter Mary Costello won silver in the Social Benefit category, for her show Information Matters, which offers advice about social supports, funding schemes, rights and resources, tips for an easier and happier life, and news about the latest research.
Becky Martin and Elaine Wright took gold in the Community Participation category for their weekly drivetime programme, The Becky Show. They play a mix of music from the eighties right up to the latest hits.
Claremorris Community Radio’s station manager, Allan Tiernan, said: "Information Matters is an authoritative and rich resource of information and advice for people living in the area, in a format unavailable anywhere else. As someone working in the public sector with her finger firmly on the pulse of Mayo’s community, voluntary and environmental sectors, no one is better informed about the issues facing our modern rural community – and about the people and organisations working to develop it.
"The Becky Show has been putting smiles on faces all around Claremorris every week for eight years. The wacky and hilarious conversations between Becky and Elaine are a defining feature of their show, with their stories also giving listeners an insight into Becky’s interesting day-to-day life. Thursday rush-hour anywhere near Claremorris means The Becky Show – there is simply nothing better on the dial. We are delighted that these volunteer presenters have been recognised by Community Radio Ireland for their dedication and creativity."
Community Radio Ireland, or Craol, is the representative and support body for Irish Community Radio. Every week across Ireland, 2000 community radio volunteers broadcast to 170,000 people from 21 fully licensed stations and almost 30 aspirant stations.
Claremorris Community Radio broadcasts on 94.6 FM, at www.ccr946.ie and via the TuneIn smartphone app. All presenters are volunteers – and anyone can become a member and start making radio. The station’s new purpose-built studios were recently opened at Chapel Court, Chapel Lane, Claremorris.
Information Matters airs on Saturdays at 11am and Mondays at 1pm and The Becky Show airs Thursdays at 5pm. The full schedule is available at www.ccr946.ie/schedule
