Raidio Corca Baiscinn has scooped two awards at the CRAOL Féile National Community Radio Awards.
Based in Kilkee, the community radio station collected a gold award for the documentary ‘Let Erin Remember’ while the Brian Clohessy presented ‘Tune in for the Tunes was awarded silver. The awards are an annual national event recognising the talents of broadcasters and producers involved in community radio stations around the country. Awards are given for a wide variety of categories including documentaries, music and dramatisations.
A commissioned programme, ‘Let Erin Remember’ tells the story of the first World War when tens of thousands of Irishmen joined the fight for freedom for small nations with a promise of home rule, for the many that did return they were vilified and ostracised. The documentary tells the story of the four O’Higgins brothers from Liscannor, they fought in the war, one of whom died at the age of twenty three while the trio were forever impacted by their experience, like many Irish soldiers who fought, were never commemorated or recognised for their service, much to the anguish of their families.
Interviews for the documentary were completed by Corofin native Dermot Hayes with James Flanagan responsible for editing the compiled material. Station manager of RCB, Mairead O’Higgins Finnegan shares connections to to the O’Higgins family who play a central role in ‘Let Erin Remember’.
“I am delighted for the station to receive such an accolade, during what has been a very challenging time for community radio stations. We have been limited in our ability to get out into the community to make interesting and entertaining high quality programming due to the Covid-19 situation. This programme Let Erin Remember also means so much to me as it reflects a personal history of my own family during a very sad time in the recent history of our country. And I would like to thank the whole team from the bottom of my heart in making this documentary come to fruition,” Mairead told The Clare Echo.
‘Tune in for the Tunes’ received a silver award in recognition of presenter Brian Clohessy keeping listeners informed and entertained throughout various lockdowns. He paid tribute to all personnel involved with the station and the listeners as he toasted to his success.
RCB broadcasts between 1 pm and 9 pm Monday to Friday and 1 pm to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday on RCB.ie and also on FM across South-West Clare on 92.5FM and 94.8FM.
