BLB Sounds From The Past

Travel back to January 1990 as we revisit a rare, live broadcast from Horizon Radio, where broadcaster Mark Quinn sits down with one of County Wicklow’s most multifaceted personalities: Jim Brophy. Jim served County Wicklow as a dedicated Assistance Officer, managing the difficult daily balance of granting or denying financial relief to people in deep need. Alongside this, his part-time role as a senior officer in the Wicklow County Civil Defence—which grew to roughly 600 members at its peak—utilised his unique ability to bridge the gap between town and country communities. His deep connections with the GAA meant he personally knew residents in every parish across the county, aiding both his public service and his prominent role as a local GAA administrator. To the readers of the Wicklow and Bray People, however, Jim was best known as the sharp, observant wit behind the beloved weekly column "The Man On The Corner," as well as the dedicated sports historian who authored the centenary GAA book The Leathers Echo.In this engaging piece of local broadcasting history, Jim shares fond reflections on his deep roots in County Wicklow. He talks warmly about growing up in his home town of Rathdangan before charting his journey across the county to first arrive in his adopted home of Bray—a town he would come to love deeply and write about extensively. This unedited conversation captures a distinct moment at the dawn of the 1990s. Featuring original Horizon Radio jingles, time checks and advertisements, it offers a nostalgic look at local broadcasting and a fascinating insight into a man who truly had his finger on the pulse of West, East, and North Wicklow.Email the producers: [email protected] on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

This 1987 'stream of consciousness' was recorded in the home of a man whose name is practically synonymous with the preservation of local heritage in Bray. The writer, historian and true Bray character, Colbert Martin.If you have ever picked up a book about the history of Bray, chances are you have seen Colbert’s name. In April of 1977, he was one of the key driving forces and founding committee members who established the Bray Cualann Historical Society - an organisation that is still thriving today. Colbert wrote and directed plays, he worked in a variety of jobs, he was a member of the Bray Literary Debating Society and was also a founder member of Bray Credit Union.Colbert was a storyteller who understood that the real history of a place lives in its people. His celebrated books, like The Bridge Below the Town and his brilliant social history, A Drink from Broderick's Well, captured the folklore, the everyday anecdotes and the unique family nicknames of Little Bray that otherwise would have been lost to time.Less an interview but more the thoughts of a man reflecting on a full life, well lived. This is Colbert Martin. (First transmitted on the 22nd August 1987 on BLB Radio).Email Mark: [email protected] on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

A true local legend, a flamboyant, larger-than-life actress, drama teacher and theatre producer; first up in this archive podcast is Gladys Sheehan. Known affectionately to many as the Grande Dame of Bray, Gladys ran renowned drama schools in Bray and Greystones, instilling confidence in generations of local children. She was a veteran of both the stage and screen, appearing as an actress in dozens of films shot right on our doorstep at Ardmore Studios, all while raising her family and being a champion of local arts.In this interview with Mark Quinn, she talks openly about life as a mother to her children with disabilities, the demands of running theatrical productions and the optimism that helped her keep moving forward. She also tells the story of how a certain part of her anatomy (her bum!) became unexpectedly famous after appearing in a Harp Lager television commercial.Sitting opposite Gladys in the studio was one of the most recognisable voices and faces in the country at that time (1989) RTÉ broadcaster and producer Mike Murphy. By then, Mike had already cemented his place in Irish broadcasting history, having hosted major flagship shows like The Live Mike and The Arts Programme, bringing a unique blend of sharp wit, warmth and innovation to the national airwaves.This live radio interview turned out to be a wonderfully open conversation. Recorded on Horizon Radio, Bray more than three decades ago.A separate interview recorded in December of 1989 is unforgettable because of the sheer force of personality of the guest. In this interview Mark grappled with the ever-opinionated Bill Scott.Waterford born, Bill’s life was nothing short of remarkable. In his younger years, he served with the Palestine Police and later the London Metropolitan Police. You’ll hear him talk about being shot at, witnessing the actual crucifixion of a man and saving a young Michael Jackson’s life.Bill was a radio presenter’s dream guest; he held firm views on almost every subject, delivering his thoughts with a level of confidence that made for compelling radio. A great story teller with tales that were very definitely of their time!Email Mark: [email protected] on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

Joe Loughman is a man whose name is woven into the very fabric of civic and sporting life in the town of Bray, County Wicklow in Ireland.Anyone who was ever involved in community groups in Bray, would have likely come across Joe’s legacy. He was a man of boundless energy and a true pillar of the community, dedicating his life to making the town a better place to live. To sports fans, he is perhaps best known as a foundational figure in the Bray Wheelers Cycling Club. In fact, back in 1958, Joe personally devised "The Shay Elliott" a gruelling, single-day race taking in the toughest terrain in County Wicklow and that remains a premier event on the Irish cycling calendar to this day.Beyond sports, Joe was a pioneering heritage champion. With Christy Brien, he spent years preserving local folklore and history and was a founding member of Cualann Historical Society.This conversation explores his life growing up in Little Bray offering a nostalgic look at old Bray and the many local organisations Joe helped to establish.The original recording was made in Joe’s living room on 15th July 1987 and broadcast on BLB a few weeks later.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

Lady Valerie Goulding was born into English high society. Her father was Lord Monckton, who was a key legal advisor to King Edward VIII during the 1936 Abdication Crisis, and played a pivotal role in negotiating the constitutional terms of the King's resignation.In 1951, alongside Kathleen O'Rourke, Lady Valerie co-founded the Central Remedial Clinic in Dublin. She built the CRC into the state's largest institution for people with physical disabilities. When Lady Goulding came into the Horizon Radio studios in May of 1990, she had recently stepped down from the day-to-day running of the clinic, but her passion for advocacy remained completely undiminished.In this archive recording with Mark Quinn, you'll hear her talk in her own under-stated and quiet manner about the early, challenging days of the CRC, her unique life journey, and her continued vision for a more inclusive Ireland.___Along with his wife Vourneen, Michael Collins was the driving force behind the iconic Royal Cinema on Quinsborough Road, a historic venue that originally opened its doors in 1936. After taking over the premises in 1976, the Collins family revitalised local entertainment by spearheading a major £150,000 twinning development plan in 1979 to transform the building into luxury cinemas, ensuring the town retained a vibrant silver screen presence.In this interview from 1991 Michael spoke with Mark Quinn about where his love of cinema began and his hopes for the development of the town of Bray.___In 1984, she captivated the nation when she traded her classroom chalk for the catwalk, winning the Miss Ireland crown. She went on to do the country proud on the global stage, placing in the top ten at both Miss World and Miss Universe. She is Olivia Tracey and she joined Mark live in the radio studio on Saturday 24th November 1990.She speaks openly about life after the crown, handling the public eye, and what the future held.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

Back in the mid-1970s, the traffic layout on Bray Seafront was very different from how it is today. To handle the summer tourist rush, the then Bray Urban District Council ran a seasonal system. In the winter, Strand Road was a standard two-way street, but from May to September, it switched to a one-way system.This reliance on drivers noticing temporary signs ultimately led to a tragedy on Bank Holiday Monday, June 6th 1977, motorcyclist 19-year-old Niall Lynch was involved in a head-on collision on the Seafront with a driver who was unfamiliar with the summer-only one-way rules. The accident, caused by the driver travelling against the system, left Niall with life changing paralysis. Niall was a school classmate of host Mark Quinn which lends an extra poignancy to this honest and open interview. ___Hazel O'Connor skyrocketed to fame as the blazing, neon-haired star of the iconic New Wave film, Breaking Glass. By the time of this interview, Hazel was stepping away from the chaotic mainstream pop charts, battling intense industry legal wars, and fiercely reclaiming her independence as a live performer and storyteller. While living in Roundwood, County Wicklow. Hazel is brutally honest in this revealing and sometimes uncomfortable listen. Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

From Saturday 13th Oct 1990 and the studios of Horizon Radio, Bray, County Wicklow in Ireland. In the studio chairs either side of host Mark Quinn are two men who, in their own unique ways, became guardians of Ireland’s natural world.John Wilson and Éamon de Buitléar. John the trusted Bray vet from the Dublin Road. The man who co-founded Brayvet and to some degree, changed the face of animal care in the town and Éamon de Buitléar, the legendary filmmaker and naturalist who grew up in the Dargle Valley in Bray and who had already spent decades bringing the "magic of the wild" into Irish living rooms with TV programmes like 'Amuigh Faoin Spéir’. In this interview, recorded live on air, both men are in great form chatting away freely about growing up, animal care, wildlife and life in general. Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

BLB - Bray Local Broadcasting ceased broadcasting for good at the end of December 1988, bringing to a close more than nine years of service to the local community.Launched in 1979, the station became a beloved fixture in the area, known for its mix of music, local news, interviews, and community-focused programming. As one of the early pioneers of local radio, BLB built strong connections with its audience and gave a platform to local voices.This episode is an edited version of BLB Radio’s final broadcast—a special four-hour programme that aired on the station’s last day. Hosted by long-time presenter Mark Quinn, the show brought together a wide range of contributors, including former presenters and producers, advertisers, local politicians and loyal listeners.Their messages, memories, and tributes paint a vivid picture of what the station meant to so many. There are moments of humour, nostalgia, and emotion, as well as reflections on the challenges and triumphs of running a local radio station during a transformative era for media. Many also shared their hopes for the future of community broadcasting, even as they bid farewell to BLB.This recording is more than just a sign-off—it's a time capsule capturing the spirit of an era and the powerful role local radio played in shaping community identity.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

Despite a nearly ten year on-air and behind the scenes campaign in the 1980's to establish community radio in Bray, County Wicklow and the securing of a legal licence in 1989 by the North Wicklow Community Radio Co-op, we do not have a station such as BLB transmitting community radio in County Wicklow today. In this episode Mark Quinn speaks with John Murphy, Lawrie Hallett and at length with Pat Hannon to find out what happened after the radio licenses were issued and about the wider impact of BLB and today's radio landscape.Credits: Post ProductionHigh Wire, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Also listen out for and follow Bray Talking Heads - Stories From A Seaside Town - A podcast for Brayites everywhere! With Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon.https://blb.buzzsprout.comGo on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com

There were tears in the studio at the end of December 1988 when the faders were finally closed on the BLB mixing desk and the transmitter was silenced for good. In this final episode of the series, Mark Quinn muses over the lasting legacy of the radio station. In its nearly ten year life, what did it achieve, what was its legacy and what lasting impression did it make on those who were involved?Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie  Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com  Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.Go on, send us a review text!Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!https://blb.buzzsprout.com