Golden memories with Michael McNamara: Limerick's voice on national radio for over 40 years

HIS DISTINCTIVE, polished voice is one of the most recognisable not only in Limerick but nationally. 

Michael McNamara, better known to his fans as Micky Mac, who started his career at 15 - while  pretending to be 18 - headlined 2FM's 40th birthday celebrations with Will Leahy and Decks and Drums at the After Madness party at Dolan’s last Friday. 

“I remember being hooked on radio in the late 60s as a child listening to pop music on radio Luxembourg and BBC Radio 1.  Radio Eireann (RTE) did not have any pop music - except a few sponsored shows with Larry Gogan, Brendan Balfe and Mike Murphy,” he recalled this week.

“So anyone growing up in Limerick in the late 60s and 70s had to wait until the wind was blowing the right way to tune into DJs like Tony Prince, Alan Freeman on Radio Luxembourg and BBC Radio 1. BBC in fairness recognised the demand for young people’s music radio and launched BBC Radio One in 1967 with its first song Flowers in the Rain by The Move,” he explained.

Ireland had to wait until May 31, 1979 - forty years ago this month for its first national young people’s radio station. 

“From 1976 the sheer frustration of not having pop and rock on the radio was softened by the emergence of Pirate Radio. In Limerick we had the iconic John the Man Frawley whose station Radio Luimni could have had up to 60,000 listeners on AM.

"Mike Richardson also set up an excellent station which sounded so professional. These two stations were the kindergarten for a new generation of Limerick broadcasters - Len Dinneen the rugby commentator being the most well known and others who are still working in local radio.

“I myself applied to Radio Eireann on my 21st birthday - and was called for interview for the post of presenter - they would not call you a DJ in those days.”

He was interviewed by Liam Devally who went on to be a member of the judiciary; and Billy Wall who was Gay Byrne's radio producer. 

“I could not believe my luck when I was offered my first radio gig on national radio presenting Airs and Races from Fairyhouse… this was followed by four weeks on a music programme between Mike Murphy and Gay Byrne - 9-10 on Tuesday mornings. I remember the producer telling me 'don't think of one million people listening to you - just think of one person'. In those days over one million tuned into Radio Éireann every day - there was no competition....nothing else on  the dial.”

When he joined Radio Éireann the only DJ in his 20s was the late Vincent Hanley.  They did  not have to wait long though as it was announced that RTÉ would launch RTÉ Radio 2 on May 31 1979.

Every DJ in the country applied for the 25 jobs - and it saw the arrival of the generation who became real stars - Ronan, Marty, Dave Fanning, Mark Cagney, Gerry Ryan. Ian Dempsey and Tony Fenton joined later.

“On launch day I broadcast live with Marty Whelan from Bank House in Limerick. My first track was Boogie Wonderland by Earth Wind and Fire. It was the start of 21 amazing years presenting Solid Gold Saturday, Ireland’s Choice on Sundays in the 80’s - and then re-inventing myself with Micky Mac’s Dance Show in the90s at weekends on the station which was renamed 2FM.” 

2FM recruited Limerick’s Lorcan Murray and Will Leahy both of whom went on to be household names nationwide and who still work with RTÉ. At one stage there were three Limerick jocks on 2FM Lorcan, Will and myself.

“Among the amazing Limerick memories were the Beats on the Street run in Limerick between 1986 and 1998 - when each year saw 40,000 dance on the streets of Limerick. 2FM was highly committed to live bands and always encouraged Limerick bands to do studio recordings and in those days were heavily played on the station. I remember hearing Cranberry Saw Us  performing at the famous Studio 8 sessions with Dave Fanning in 1990 and other Limerick Bands being championed by the station - Reform, Tuesday Blue, The Groove, The Hitchers, and so many more.

“I hope that others from Limerick who have the talent are encouraged to work in radio -  and keep the tradition of Limerick voices on national radio - and follow the lead and inspiration of the  legendary Limerickman Terry Wogan.” 

Micky Mac broadcasts still on RTE  Gold on Saturday afternoons 4-6pm, and on Clare FM.