President Higgins congratulates Mayo radio station on reaching big milestone
President Michael D. Higgins has congratulated Community Radio Castlebar on their 30th anniversary celebrations.
In a letter to the station President Higgins wrote: " I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to all involved with Community Radio Castlebar as you celebrate the 30th anniversary of the station. Traoslaím libh.
"Over the past 30 years, Community Radio Castlebar has been such a valuable source of information for the people of Mayo, giving a voice to its people by providing them with a platform to discuss issues of local, regional, national and international interest.
"This is an occasion not only to celebrate the achievements of the station but a moment, too, to reflect on the vital role that local journalism plays in the democratic and cultural life of our communities, particularly in our modern society.
"It is with a sense of great fulfilment that I recall, in my role as the first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in 1993, urging the newly appointed board of the Independent Radio and Television Commission to give serious consideration to the development of community radio as a vital expression of the right to communicate.
"I held then, as I do now, the belief that community radio must be afforded parity of esteem with other broadcasting forms, recognising its capacity to empower, to include, and to connect.
"When, in furtherance of this view, the IRTC introduced a community radio pilot project in 1995, I approved the issuing of 11 licences to community groups across the country. It was my sincere belief that these new stations would flourish, and they did not disappoint.
"It is through the comprehensive, inclusive and high-quality reporting of Community Radio Castlebar that important local stories are told, stories that shape the fabric of our society and highlight the concerns of citizens.
"It is work that is invaluable in fostering civic participation and wider knowledge and context of events, spotlighting issues that directly impact our lives, and helping to achieve transparency in local governance.
"As we navigate an ever-changing world, amid all the changes in broadcasting and in the media landscape, I am delighted to see that Community Radio Castlebar continues to play a vital role as a cornerstone for all those seeking reliable and informed coverage, shaping the lives of so many people.
"By providing the local community with its own voice, Community Radio Castlebar contributes strongly to that sense of inclusive citizenship which must lie at the heart of all truly democratic societies.
"As you celebrate this milestone, may I congratulate all those involved, past and present, in Community Radio Castlebar, for your work and achievements of the past three decades. May I wish you every success in the years ahead.
Traoslaím libh is beir gach beannacht don todhchaí”.
Tánaiste Simon Harris also congratulated Castlebar's CRCfm.
The Fine Gael leade said: “Warmest congratulations to the entire team on reaching the incredible milestone of 30 years of service.
"Thirty years of amplifying local voices, sharing stories, and building community is no small feat – your dedication and passion truly shine through all that you do. Wishing you continued success, growth, and inspiration in the years ahead."
Produced by Francis Brennan and Ryan Ginnelly, and presented by Aidan Crowley, Community Radio Castlebar, will broadcast a special Gala 30th anniversary edition of the ‘Grapevine’ on Friday next.
The programme, which is broadcast live Monday to Thursday, covers political, social, current affairs, local, national and international news/topics.
As the station celebrates 30 years of broadcasting, having been launched in 1975, messages of congratulations were received from President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, former Minister Michael Ring, Senator Mark Duffy, Rose Conway Walsh TD, and Maria Walsh MEP.
Participants in last Friday’s programme include Michael Ring, Rose Conway Walsh TD, Johnny Mee, Tom Kelly, editor of The Connaught Telegraph, Caoimhín Rowland, The Connaught Telegraph, Mitch Commane CRC, Maria Walsh MEP, Joe Coffey, Tommy Stenson, Shane Quigley, Stephen Prendergast, Ronan O’Malley, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, Councillor Blackie Gavin, Tommy Joe Prendergast, Donal O’Shea, and Dr. Richard Martin.
The joint-producer of the show Francis Brennan has thanked his co-producer Ryan Ginnelly, programme presenter Aidan Crowley, local media for their coverage, and the many people who have assisted and supported him in its production.